Saving on Electricity

One of the expenses that can really start to add up in your home is the utilities, specifically electricity. Often we neglect to realize that we have control of how much this costs us each month. Just making a few changes can really impact your electricity bill each month. It might take a little more energy or using an extra blanket, but keep in mind how much you will be saving. These minor changes will really add up.

Firstly, install the new type of fluorescent bulbs in lights you leave on for extended time periods. They provide about four times as much light and last times longer than incandescent bulbs. This can add up to a savings of about $10-$50/year.

Try lowering the temperature on your hot water heater to between 110 and 120 degrees. It’s not necessary to have it any hotter and wastes energy. Cut back on the long, hot showers, this can really add up.

Find out if your utility company offers free energy audits, where they inspect your home for energy effectiveness and recommend inexpensive ways to cut energy costs, such as insulating hot water heaters, weather-stripping, etc. Just insulating your hot water heater could save you $25 a year.

Set the thermostat no higher than 68 degrees in winter and no lower than 78 degrees in summer. Turn your heat down even further at night and when you’re not home (unless you have a heat pump, which operates more efficiently at one consistent setting). Each extra degree in winter can increase heating costs by 3%. In summer, each degree can raise cooling costs by about 6%. This can add up to about $325 to $500/year.

Try to cut back on the use of your clothes dryer. Not only is it a big energy drain, it can also suck heated air out of your house very quickly in winter. Hang clothes outside or on a clothes rack to dry and use the dryer for towels and other heavier items. This will amount to a savings of around $25-50/year.

Finally, when cooking up a meal, use your microwave when possible instead of your over, which can save up to 50% in energy costs for cooking. There is a potential savings of about $50/year.