Most people don’t know how easy it is to make their homes run on less energy. Drastic reductions in heating, cooling and electricity costs can be achieved through very simple changes, most of which homeowners can do themselves. Without taking energy efficiency precautions, your utility bill can make paying rent or a mortgage even worse. To help avoid such financial stress, here are a few things that not only will help you save money.
1. Turning off electronics
At one time, cable boxes cost Americans 3 billion per year, and 2 billion of that cost was when televisions were turned off! A quick fix is as simple as a flick of a switch. Turning off your power strip when devices are not in use can help you save money. This method cuts the power at the cord, eliminating the problem of idling devices continuing to raise your electricity bill.
2. Heating and cooling
Heating and cooling your home properly is the most effective way to manage your utility bills. The simplest way to do this is to schedule heating and cooling times with a programmable thermostat. Another quick fix to cutting heating and cooling costs is replacing filters on furnaces and air conditioners. This will keep your system functioning effectively and also improve your air quality.
3. Lighting
LED and CFL bulbs use 75-80% less energy and last much longer than average light bulbs. Replacing even 15 incandescent light bulbs can save you as much as $50 per year. Also, don't forget to turn off your lights. It seems like a no brainer, but it can help reduce how much you spend on lighting by 5%.
4. Smart cooking
An enormous amount of energy is wasted while cooking. To save your bill, try switching from your conventional oven to a more efficient convection oven. Convection ovens use fans to force hot air to circulate evenly, thus allowing food to cook at a lower temperature and reducing your energy usage by 20%.
Can y'all think of any other energy saving ideas to cut back on cost? Comment and let us know!
Comments(0)