Do you dread opening your utility bill each month? Doesn’t it seem like each month the prices go up? You might wonder if there is really anything you can do to reduce your bill. There are actually several things you can do that will have a positive impact on the amount of your utility bills. Here are 9 tips that should come in handy.
- Make sure to look at the instructions for your washer. Using the right amount of detergent in each load ensures that your washer will work more efficiently and use less energy. Don’t forget to switch to cold water for most loads, also.
- Add dryer balls to your laundry routine. These handy balls reduce the overall drying time needed for a load of clothes, thus saving energy and reducing costs.
- Replace all your light bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs).Each bulb you switch out can save you ten to twenty dollars per year.
- Changing your thermostat up or down even a few degrees can really add up to savings. The easiest way to achieve this is a programmable thermostat. The cost of a new thermostat will more than pay for itself in the first year, and you won’t have to remember to change the temperature.
- When baking, use ceramic or glass pans. The heat is held in much better than with metal pans. You can actually lower the cooking temperature by 20 to 25 degrees, which will add to your savings.
- Crockpots or slow cookers are more energy efficient than cooking on the stove. Plus you have an easy meal! If you do have to use the stovetop, use the right size pot for your dish, plus fit the burner size. If you use a big burner with a small pot you are just wasting energy and driving up your bill.
- Outlet plugs aren’t just for childproofing. Safety plugs for your outlets should be used all the time since they can keep cold or hot air from entering your house.
- Tune up or service your furnace and air conditioner annually. A little cost up front will turn into savings since these appliances will run better and more efficiently.
- Have a ‘no cooking’ night every week. Use a barbeque or fire pit to cook outside if you can. Maybe just make sandwiches or have cheese and crackers indoors by candlelight. You can have fun and be very creative with this idea, and still be saving on your energy costs.
It only takes a little effort to make a dent in your utility bills. You can try one or all of these ideas, but your checkbook should see some relief the next time you pay your bill.
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