7 Ways To Lower Your Utility Bills
Saving money is in style these days, and one big area where it’s easy to save money without sacrificing your lifestyle is on your utility bill. Here are 7 tips to get you started.
Install A Programmable Thermostat - I saved a ton of money when I got one of these installed in my house. At night in the winter I’d let the temperature drop to 62 degrees. I was under the blankets and warm so it didn’t matter how cool the rest of the house was. However, it was programmed so that by the time I was getting up, we were back at 70 degrees like nothing ever happened.
Seal Leaks – While getting new windows is typically the best solution, it’s also not cheap. You can put plastic over drafty windows and use weather stripping to keep your old windows from letting out all the hot (or cool) air from your house.
Get Rid Of Incandescent Bulbs – It’s time for a better light bulb. While white light LED bulbs are likely the future, they’re still pricey. However, compact flourescent bulbs last up to 10 times longer and use 75% less energy than your standard light bulb. They cost a little more initially but they more than make up for it over the course of their life.
Close Blinds and Curtains In The Summer – Help your air conditioner out by keeping the sun’s rays out of the house and close your blinds and curtains.
Use Fans - Ceiling fans are great if you’ve got them, the breeze helps the room feel cooler when you’re in it allowing you to set the thermostat higher in the summer. However, make sure to turn the fans off when you leave the room – fans cool people, not rooms.
Get An On Demand Water Heater - A lot of energy goes to waste keeping water hot for when you need it. Consider getting a tankless water heater that will still provide all the hot water you need. The difference is no water is stored, it heats the water up only when you’re ready to use it.
Upgrade your appliances - If you have old appliances like a freezer or refrigerator, consider upgrading. My grandparents upgraded their 40 year old refrigerator this summer and saved $50/month. At that rate, it doesn’t take long to see a savings. If you have an old furnace or air conditioner, your savings could be even more dramatic – I got a 92% efficient furance and air conditioner a couple years back and in the peak summer and winter months, saved over $100/month.
