YES, it is possible to save money on utility bills!
December 6th, 2007 | by rachel |
With gas and grocery prices on the way up, it seems that all the necessities are costing more with each passing day. Even if we have no control over prices, there are things we can do to lower our bills in other ways. Use these ideas to start saving money today!
- Install programmable thermostats to control temperature settings. This is particularly helpful during times when your house is empty. There is no need to heat and cool when noone is home!
- Eliminate energy “vampires and phantoms” in your home
- Take shorter showers with “low flow” shower heads
- Adjust appliances when you travel - turn the HVAC system down or off completely; turn the water heater temperature down; turn water supply off, etc.
- Wash laundry in cold water
- Schedule work and errands to limit the amount of time you are “in and out” of your house all day
- Use energy efficient light bulbs
MAXIMIZE THE EFFECT OF WHAT YOU DO USE
- Close vents and/or doors in unused areas of your house
- Dry several loads of laundry in succession to keep the dryer from having to totally reheat for every load
- Use fans, screen windows and doors to circulate air
- Schedule and/or conduct a Home Energy Audit
- Perform maintenance on appliances regularly and correctly
- Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
- Insulate attics, basements, walls and crawl spaces as much as possible
- Wrap your water heater with an insulating blanket
SEAL LEAKS
- Close fireplace dampers to limit escaping air
- Check doors, windows and ducts for “gaps” where air can escape
- Keep garage doors closed as much as possible
- Install storm windows and doors
PAY ATTENTION
- Monitor your utility bills and meter readings closely. We recently had an error on our water meter reading that resulted in an unusually large bill AND surcharges for excess water use during a period of drought. After checking previous readings and having our meter “reread”, the error was in our favor. The result? Our account was credited for the amount of overpayment and we ended up not paying a water bill for 3 months!
- Watching the weather can also help you utilize “free energy”. Open drapes, windows and doors to allow hot and cold air to change the temperature in exposed rooms throughout the day. After dark, close windw coverings to keep heat in as much as possible!
BUDGET DELIBERATELY
- Enroll in “price averaging” or “budget billing” programs to allow you to budget the same amount consistently. These programs vary with different utility providers so contact yours directly to get the details on enrollment requirements.
- Install energy efficient appliances, windows and doors when it is time to replace
- Investigate possibilities for payment assistance. Even people with short-term financial crises can be eligible for assistance programs in some areas. Again, these vary in different community. If you need help paying utility bills call your provider today and ask how to get it!
In addition to saving money, making changes in our consumption habits is good for our environment. Even the smallest changes help. Don’t stop with these ideas. Take some time to learn more about ways you can save money and energy in your own home. You’ll see the difference on your utility bills and we will all feel the difference in the world around us.
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