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Tuesday, February 11, 2014
How To Save Money on Energy Bills: Lower Heating, Natural Gas, Electricity Utility Bills
How To Your Lower Heating Bill
Utility Bills can be one of the largest monthly expenses, after housing and food. Many of the ways to be frugal about energy use are changes of habits, focusing on consuming less resources, and mindfully utilizing time-tested and proven methods:
A programmable thermostat can save money by setting the optimal temperature, and models are available from Home Depot or Lowe's for $20.
Reuse all heat: If you cook, open the oven door and let all the heat out.
Invest in a (cheap) hot water bottle to use while sleeping rather than furnace or wood stove.
Lower the temperature when you go to sleep. An extra blanket, heated electric blanket, or hot water bottles are an extremely inexpensive way to stay warm.
Lower the temperature of your home when you are gone. Also remember, it may be more efficient to keep your home warm rather than going from Hot-Cold. Make sure your thermostat only runs when necessary.
Keep Curtains Closed.
Installing inexpensive anti-draft insulation for doors and windows can make areas feel much more comfortable. Upcycle old blankets for use as insulation near windows and doors.
Wear socks and a sweater indoors and keep thermostat set at a lower temperature.
Heavy curtains act as insulation during both winter and summer. During the winter, they act as a buffer between warm indoor air and cool windows. During the summer, curtains reflect sunlight that can increase the temperature of the room significantly.
Fix all air leaks: windows, doors, holes, cracks where your warm air escapes to the exterior. If your insulation is not working properly, you are paying to heat the outside world. Proper insulation is possibly the single most cost effective way to reduce expenses and save money. Use window-wrap during the winter and other insulating measures.
How To Save Money on Electricity Bill:
Switch as many bulbs as possible from incandescent to CFL. CFL's require 1/8th the energy and last much longer.
Turn
off lights in any room where you are not using. An old rule (pre wwii):
one person-one light. Meaning: if you go to a different room and turn
on a light, you must turn off the light you were using previously. This
simple step can reduce your electricity bill by 10% or more.
Use Candles. Candles are cozy, romantic and a frugal alternative for lighting your house.
Unplug your devices as soon as they hit 100% charge. Bonus: Unplug the charger after charging.
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