CareOne Urges Consumers to Consider Energy Costs as Temperatures Cool

COLUMBIA, Md., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Labor Day has passed, and for much of the nation that means fall weather and cooler temperatures can't be too far behind. The changing of the seasons makes this the perfect time to ensure that your home is as energy-efficient as possible. It is also the time to think about upgrading to more energy-efficient appliances; in many parts of the country, tax incentives are available to make Energy Star appliances even more affordable.

Many experts estimate the average family spends $2,000 a year on energy, so even reducing energy costs by $5 or $10 a month can add up to significant savings during the year.

"There are so many simple things people can do around their homes to conserve energy, which is not only good for the environment, but it's also good for the pocketbook," said Jenny Realo, consumer finance expert and executive vice president of CareOne Services Inc. "Taking just a little bit of time to think about your energy use can significantly reduce bills and increase savings."

Realo offers a few simple tricks to conserve energy at home:

• Run appliances such as the washing machine, dryer or dishwasher at off-peak hours (after 9 p.m.) when electricity costs are generally lower. Also, only run appliances when you have a full load for optimal and energy-efficient usage.
• Unplug electronics, such as microwaves, coffee makers, televisions, DVD players, computers and phone chargers, when they are not in use as they continue to consume electricity even when turned off. This little bit of savings each day can add up to savings of $15 to $20 a month on the average family's electric bill -- that's a savings of $180 to $240 a year.
• Put your hot water heater on a timer so that it turns off at night and turns on again about a half hour before hot water is needed in the morning. This will save you the cost of heating water when it is not needed. A timer can be purchased at most home improvement stores for about $20.
• Lower the thermostat. Each degree the thermostat is lowered can save about 5 percent in energy costs. Drop down the thermostat a degree or two permanently and wear an extra sweater or blanket if needed. Otherwise, lower the thermostat by five or 10 degrees when you leave the house for an extended period of time, such as going to work, and then raise the temperature when you return. You can either do this yourself or purchase a programmable thermostat, generally for under $150, to help regulate the temperatures for you.

If you need to upgrade or replace any appliances, Realo suggests looking at Energy Star appliances. These appliances, which have been government-certified as using less energy than a typical appliance, may cost more initially but that cost difference will be made up in lower energy costs through the life of the appliance.

"Consumers need to make conscious decisions not just about short-term savings but also about what is in their best financial interest over the long haul," Realo said. "While many people may be tempted to buy the cheapest dishwasher or washing machine they can find, often the extra energy those appliances will consume outweighs any initial savings."

Many states have special discount or rebate programs funded by $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. (The bill, commonly known as the stimulus bill, allotted money to each state for Energy Star programs, but some states have completed the program already. For more information on your state's program, visit the U.S. Department of Energy's website.)

"These government programs make Energy Star appliances much more affordable for every budget and consumers should look to take advantage of them whenever possible," Realo said.

For more energy saving tips, visit CareOne's Tip Jar at www.careonecredit.com/tips/home.aspx.

About CareOne

CareOne Services Inc. is a debt relief company formed in 2002 to provide consumers with multiple solutions to complex money issues.  CareOne takes a holistic approach to assisting customers in debt and reviews each situation to create achievable financial solutions. CareOne's services include credit counseling, debt management, debt settlement, as well as free referrals to bankruptcy attorneys if that is in the best interest of the consumer.

CareOne also provides the My CareOne community (MyCareOne.CareOneCredit.com), a free online resource for consumers that includes educational tools, blogs and forums where more than a million people share their experiences and receive support from others in similar situations.

Headquartered in Columbia, Md., CareOne has helped more than 2 million people. In 2009, it provided consumers with the tools and assistance to pay down more than $294 million in debt. CareOne provides services in 41 states. For more information, call 1-800-373-3225 or visit CareOneCredit.com.

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SOURCE CareOne Services Inc.