Energy costs money and with winter on the horizon, we all need to be prepared. So, here are 10 tips on saving cash.
- Approximately 10% of the energy costs from your home will be from lighting. You can save up to 75% of energy by simply using compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs. You will save additional money because they last longer and will need fewer replacements.
- If you need another reason to switch to CFL’s, the majority of the electricity used with incandescent lights is not visible light. You are spending more on the heat from incandescent lights than the light. This will show you the truth about it.
- You can save up to 18% on your cooling bill by running the AC at 78° instead of 72°. When there is less of a difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature, you will spend less to cool the home. That is why it is beneficial to set your thermostat as high as you can during the summer.
- Changing your fireplace to a less traditional but more ecologically friendly option can be of notable benefit. Wall Fireplace Pros have a great selection of electric and ethanol based fireplaces to do this.
- You can lose approximately 20% of the heated or cooled air directly through the duct system to the exterior of the home. If you want to stop wasting that energy, your ducts can be professionally inspected to ensure they are insulated and sealed properly.
- You may be able to raise your thermostat approximately 4° if you run a ceiling fan, even though you will not reduce your comfort level. Be sure to turn the fan off when you’re not in the room because it does not actually affect the temperature.
- Up to 25% of your home energy usage may come from heating water. It is possible to reduce how much you are spending by turning down the temperature on the water heater. Most people are able to do quite well with the temperature set at 120°F.
- You would be amazed by how much money you can save when you stop using your oven. You can often do the same thing with the toaster, microwave or a grill on your countertop.
- When you leave the computer on all day and ends up costing you approximately $75 per year. You can save a considerable amount of money by unplugging appliances and electronics when you are not using them. When you have them all plugged into a multi-strip outlet, it makes the process much easier.
- An easy way to save as much as $150 every year on your energy bill is to use a programmable thermostat, but you must use it properly. The thermostat should automatically stop your cooling system from running when you are not home and turn it on before you get home.
So what are you doing to cut energy cost around your house? I’ve tried all the above but I’d love to hear your thoughts on this in the comments below.
Cheers!
