Utility bills can be very expensive, especially in times of extreme heat or cold. But you don’t have to keep paying a fortune just to keep your utilities running. Instead, you should follow these tips to make sure you keep your energy bill low while keeping yourself and your loved ones comfortable.
1. Invest in Electrical Appliances That Are Rated With an ENERGY STAR
If you plan to save money consistently on your utility bills, then you should always invest your money in electrical appliances that have an ENERGY STAR sticker. This is because unlike those appliances that do not have an ENERGY STAR sticker, these appliances have been certified to ensure that the amount of power usage is minimized, allowing you to save more money in the future.
However, keep in mind that these types of appliances may be slightly more expensive than others. But it’s totally worth it, as you will be able to get your money back later on by paying less for your electric bills.
2. Consider Installing Free Energy Devices Such as Solar Panels
Solar panels help you to save more money on your electricity bills by providing you with more energy. Solar panels work by capturing the sunlight from the external environment and converting it into electrical energy that can provide energy for your home.
Apart from solar panels, you might also want to have an excess energy storage unit so that you will be able to store the excess energy obtained from the solar panels for later use.
3. Consider Adding Attic Insulation to Your House
According to a study, approximately 50 percent of all the energy used in houses is mostly used for cooling and heating purposes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most of a home’s heat energy escapes to the house’s attic. And since a vast majority of houses do not have any mechanism to trap this heat energy from getting out of the house, the heat escapes into thin air.
You may be able to save up to a total of 20 percent on your electric bill by simply ensuring your house is insulated efficiently.
4. Wash Your Clothes Using Cold Water
Did you know that using cold water to wash your clothes could save you a lot of money on your electric bill? It has been found that approximately 90 percent of the energy used by a washing machine goes to heating up the water and the other 10 percent is used for the washing operation.
A large percentage of American families would typically do approximately 300 loads of laundry every single year. If a family switches to cold water washing only, they can save an amount of energy that could drive a vehicle nearly 421 miles. If you plan to save more money, it’s a good idea for you to wash your clothes in cold water from now on.
5. Install Weather Stripping to Prevent Heat From Escaping Your House
Weather stripping – a material that covers the joint of a door or a window sill – is cheap, simple and easy to install. The best part is that it prevents any cool wind from the outside of your house from entering.
Additionally, it also prevents the heated air inside your house from escaping, so that you are able to maintain the temperature inside your house for an extended period of time without any additional costs. It’s super easy to install, so it’s highly recommended for beginners who are just getting started to save money on utility bills.
6. Get a Programmable Thermostat for Your House
A recent study by the US Department of Energy found that a programmable thermostat may help you to reduce the costs of your electric bills by almost 10 percent. Installing a programmable thermostat in your house can be easily done by experts. However, a typical programmable thermostat will include a detailed manual that guides you step by step to ensure that you can set it up manually in your own house. It’s highly recommended that you program your thermostat to lower the temperature in your house during winter and increase the temperature during the summer while you are out of the house. By doing this, you will be able to save more money on utility bills.
7. Insulate All Your Light Switches and Outlets
Light switches and outlets are often overlooked by many, as most do not realize the importance of insulating them to prevent energy from escaping. Light switches and outlets can actually be one of the many sources where warm internal air in your house flows out. For this reason, it’s a good idea to insulate them. This step is simple and can be easily done by anyone. You just need to ensure that you buy the right switch and outlet plate seals, which are available for just a few dollars online or in hardware stores.
8. Conduct an Energy Audit of Your House
If you are unsure of the energy-saving opportunities available in your house, then it’s always a good idea to conduct an energy audit of your house. This inspection conducted by a professional allows you to estimate the total costs that are associated with optimizing the energy usage in your house.
Conducting an energy audit also allows you to make an informed decision when you decide to purchase energy-efficient appliances, so it’s highly recommended for those who have no prior knowledge or experience in optimizing home energy usage.
9. Use a Fireplace in Your House Instead
Instead of using central heat or a space heater to heat the interior space of your house, it’s better to use a fireplace that consumes zero electrical energy. Even though you may need to chop some wood, it’s important to note that you can warm your family members at a low cost or no cost at all.
10. Cook Smartly
Did you know that a lot of energy is needed to heat your oven? If you’re just cooking for yourself, then consider using a toaster oven, as it consumes less energy compared to an oven.
You should always try to avoid using a stovetop or an oven, as these kinds of appliances consume a high level of electrical energy, which can cause your utility bills to spike even further. What you can do instead is to use other electrical appliances that consume less energy, such as an ENERGY STAR-certified microwave.
By Admin –
