Ten Ways to Slash Your Electric Bill
- Do an energy audit. This will tell you how and when you use energy and where there is waste. You will be able to make an “energy savings plan” by pinpointing exactly how you can cut back on energy consumption. Some ideas may be as simple as don’t leave the coffee pot on all of the time.
- Think about resetting the thermostat few degrees lower at night. You could save 10% on electricity without sacrificing comfort if you do this for at least eight hours. Insulate your home in winter by closing the drapes.
- Check all insulation in the house. Increase attic insulation around 12" and your electricity consumption will reduce by 20%.
- Plant trees around your home. Trees will cool the house in summer and insulate the house in winter.
- Have all electrical wires and outlets checked for leakage. Check all fuses and appliances.
- Fluorescent light bulbs are energy efficient. They use 75% less energy than ordinary light bulbs. These have a longer life and contribute to great savings.
- Use energy efficient appliances. These use less energy and believe it or not a high efficiency refrigerator uses less electricity than a light bulb.
- When you are away from home for an extended period, you should turn off and unplug all electrical appliances and turn settings on the thermostat, water heater, and refrigerator to the lowest setting.
- Ensure that you use a water-saving shower head. Water heating costs for a family can be lowered by at least $250 a year.
- Weatherize your home. This helps reduce heating bills by 20% and cooling by at least 10%. When building a home or decorating it, use weather friendly materials. Install windows and glass panes in the roof in such a way that you use sunlight to light up the rooms during day. Make an effort to switch off lights and TVs when leaving a room. Ensure that the filters in air conditioners and furnaces are always cleaned and free of dirt, dust, and pet hair.
You will see the numbers on the energy bill actually reduce if you live an energy efficient lifestyle. The power to cut energy costs is well within your control. Small tasks can all add up to significant amounts of power saved. In addition, power saved means more of your money in the bank.