How to Save Money on Your Monthly Energy Bills

People are always looking for ways to save a little more money in today’s world Bills these days seem to be continually increasing, especially energy bills. Unless you’re in the middle of a big city, such as Chicago or New York, energy bills are going to be one of the more feared monthly bills. Luckily, with some ingenuity, you can help cut it in half each month.

Reusable Filters

Even though the low end AC and furnace filters are relatively inexpensive, the few dollars you spend each time you have to replace them add up over time. In addition, the action of replacing them often causes homeowners to delay, resulting in a less efficient system that tacks on money to your bill. Instead, purchase a reusable filter. At the end of 15 months, it will have paid for itself.

Upgrade Appliances

Most modern appliances are built to be energy efficient. While they may be expensive to begin with, many states offer rebate check incentives to upgrade to newer models. This on top of a lower electricity bill equates to less you have to pay out each month. When you’re out shopping, look for the Energy Star label.

Along with the Energy Star rating, you might also want to look for other energy efficient items. This would include items such as an energy efficient light bulb rather than your traditional incandescent bulbs. Most people now in days are going to the more energy efficient light bulbs as they are also supposed to last longer than your traditional incandescent bulb. This should in theory help you save on your monthly electric bills and how often you have to buy new light bulbs as well.

New Doors and Windows

The shape of doors and windows slowly morphs over time due to heat, moisture and all other environmental factors. Though they are perfectly designed to keep your indoor air from getting outside and vice versa, the shape deformities lead to cracks and openings that can’t be filled (Source: Northern Comfort). If you notice a breeze coming through around your doors and windows, it’s time to change them out.

Programmable Thermostat

It is estimated that programmable thermostats save you around 10% on your utility bill. By adjusting itself at different points in the day, the air and heat are never constantly running, only kicking in when you are in the house. Some models even learn your preferences and adjust automatically. There are also models that allow you to control the temperature in different rooms of your house and thus allowing you to heat the rooms you use the most and keep the rooms you use the least cooler or vice versa depending on if you are in summer or winter weather.

Cold Water

Instead of washing clothes and cleaning dishes in hot water, switch to cold. About 90% of the energy used by your washer goes to heating the water. This equates to burning 182 gallons of gas. By simply switching to a cold wash, the machine drops dramatically to only burning about 8 gallons. If you are worried about killing all the germs on your dishes, then don’t be. Using cold water will wash your dishes just as well as long as you use soap and wash your dishes well.

The bottom line is that your energy bill doesn’t need to cost a quarter of your monthly income. By making a few sacrifices in terms of using more cold water and investing in better appliances, your bill can be mitigated with relatively little impact to your lifestyle. With all of this energy you conserve, just imagine what a beneficial impact it will have on the environment.