Over the winter months, energy prices have soared to an all-time high. In Colorado,
consumers have seen a 54% increase in their Xcel Energy electric bill compared to past winters,
according to the Colorado Sun.


While we at Piper Electric can’t offer you a clip ‘n save coupon for lowering your energy
bill, we can outfit your home to be more energy efficient. Efficiency decreases energy use;
decreased use means a lower monthly bill.
Here are our top five tips to help you start saving right away:

1) Upgrade to LED lights and turn off switches. LED, or light-emitting diodes, use up to
75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. While replacing your home’s current lighting
with LED may entail an upfront cost, the long-term savings are worth it. Having LED
lights, though, doesn’t mean you can leave every light burning all through your home.
When not actively using a light, flip the off switch.

2) Install a programmable thermostat. According to Colorado’s Public Utilities’
Commission, peak energy use times are between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. During
these times, the fee rate increases for energy used. So, a programmable thermostat can
help mitigate the cost. Most systems allow the user to set “away” times or cap internal
temperatures, allowing you to mindfully control energy consumption rather than
heedlessly turning the dial up on your heat.

3) Seal air leaks. As homes age, so do the seals around doors and windows. Do a walk
through of your home and feel around windows and doors for chilly air. Simple fixes of
updating the weather stripping or hanging thicker curtains may decrease drafty, cold air throughout your home, causing more heat to be needed. However, investing in door replacements or newer windows could be your final solution to capture the full savings on your energy bill.

4) Unplug unused electronics. Computers, laptops, gaming consoles, counter-top
appliances—these are common devices that suck energy often without notice. Take an
inventory of your bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and home office areas. Stop the slow
leak: Power it down or unplug it completely.

5) Consider investing in solar panels. While Piper Electric does not install solar panels,
our experts can set up wiring in your home to prepare for installation. Solar energy is
more abundant than gas energy, and while this conversion is currently a steep investment
for homeowners, it is ultimately a cleaner and more efficient energy source for your
home.

While each of these tips is not completely equivalent to clipped coupon in your hand, taking
control over the energy use in your home will result in savings. If you are unsure about the steps
needed to optimize your energy use, our experts would happily provide a consultation via an in-
person walk-through of your home.