Saving Money on Utilities

Consumers spend 6% to 12% of their income on utilities, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.  Here are 10 quick and easy ways to lower your utility bills.

1. Buy Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL) – These new bulbs save up to $60 per light. Get bulbs that have at least 2,600 kelvin and Walmart usually prices them lower.  Do not install these CFLs on dimmable light switches as they will burn out the bulb unless you buy the CFLs that are dimmable. Even when the bulbs cost up to 3x more than regular bulbs, the investment is well worth it.
2. Unplug appliances that do not need to be connected. 40% of home energy cost are from plugged in appliances that are off.  If you are too lazy to unplug buy a Smart Power Strip that will stop the appliances from drawing current.
3. Insulate your water heater with a thermal blanket. These jackets usually cost about $20 dollars and they keep the water hotter , longer without requiring more energy. Save about 10% from your bill. Set our water heater to 120 degrees.
4. Furnace Maintenance – Tune your furnace every 2 years. Save about 10% off your heating cost.
5. Lower the temperature in the Winter – Every 1 degree translates to 5% off your bill.
6. Use cold water to Wash Clothes – Save 50% you would have used if you washed it with hot water. Also set your dryer to the moisture setting.
7. Weatherstrip – place on frames of front and back doors.
8. Timer on lights or Sensors.
9. Buy low – flow shower heads that use 25-60% less water. Look for less than 2.5 gallons per minute.
10. Turn down sprinklers to 8 minutes once a day. Set it for early morning for best results. Average lawn only needs about one hour of watering a week.

References:

CFLs - http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls

Smart Power Strip – http://www.smarthomeusa.com