If your energy bills continue to skyrocket each month, consider implementing a few of these ideas to help you keep costs down.
Adjust Your Clothing
Check the weather each evening and make sure you dress appropriately for the temperature. For example, if it is forecasted to be chilly, layer two shirts on top of each other and put on a pair of warm socks. If you can keep yourself warm with your clothing, you can adjust your thermostat to keep it cooler inside.
Keep Everything Closed
If you are not using a room, make sure the door is closed. This will help you save because you can choose to cool or heat just the rooms you are physically present in.
In addition, close your windows and your blinds/shades at night. If it is hot outside, they should stay closed in the daytime as well. If you notice a draft coming in under a door or around a window, do your best to plug up any holes.
Adjust The Temperature
Even turning down your thermostat two or three degrees in the winter can save you money. Similarly, turning it up two or three degrees in the summer can help as well. Take a look at your current settings. Adjust the thermostat by two degrees and wait for your monthly bill to come to check out your savings. If you can, slowly do more over time. Why not use an electric heater or electric fireplace, such as this from Wall Fireplace Pros, to just heat the specific room you want. If your electricity comes from green energy you can be sure it’ll be a lot better for the environment and your pocket.
Shut Down
If you plan to go away, even for a short period of time, disable your heating or cooling. Get in the habit of turning your thermostat up or down by ten degrees when you leave for work in the morning; your house doesn’t need to stay at its normal temperature if no one is there.
Use Cold Water
Whenever possible, wash your clothes in cold water. You could save a little over a hundred dollars each year this way. In addition, select a short washing cycle and don’t run it until you’ve filled up the washing machine.
Adjust Your Refrigerator Settings
The refrigerator is going to cost you a lot of money because it is one appliance that you can’t unplug. Check to be sure that the seal is working properly. Adjust the temperature to between 35 degrees and 38 degrees Fahrenheit to save the most money. And, if you have more than one refrigerator, only use the second when absolutely necessary.
Insulate The Ceiling
An insulated ceiling can really help you to save money. If you currently have insulation, have it inspected to determine if it was installed the right way and if it has the proper rating.
Turn Off Gadgets
About ten percent of your power bill could be from gadgets that aren’t being used. For example, when you keep your charger plugged into the wall, it is using energy. Turn off all your gadgets when you are not using them. Unplug everything from the wall if you want to save money.
A standby power controller can help. Check out Energy Saver Incentive to learn more.
Be Vigilant In The Kitchen
There are a number of ways that you can save energy in the kitchen. Thaw frozen food before you put it in the oven. Take advantage of the microwave when possible; the oven is an energy hog. Wash your dishes with the economy cycle and fill up the dishwasher before you turn it on.
Use Eco-Friendly Bulbs
If you have incandescent light bulbs, replace them with an eco-friendly alternative. They use less power, and while they are more expensive, they last longer.
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