10 Ways to Lower Your Utility Bill

If you want to turn your home into an efficient and cozy place to spend your time without spending the money in your wallet you’ve come to the right place. It is not as difficult or as expensive as you might think to be green and save some green. Here is a list of ways you can lower your utility bills.

-Add insulation in your attic. Simply wait for insulation rolls to go on sale and buy enough to give your attic an R value of 40 or more. Eighty percent of your homes heat loss is through the attic. HINT: some home improvement stores will let you use their insulation blower for free if you buy enough insulation.

-Switch to CFL or LED light bulbs. These bulbs can last up to 8 times longer than a normal incandescent light bulb which saves you money at the hardware store. They also use up to 75% less energy.

-Turn down the water heater. Water heaters are often set at the top of their temperature limits. You don’t need nor do you ever use 112 degree water, so turn the water heater down a couple of notches. 105 degree water will keep the water heater running less and more money in your pocket. You also might want to consider switching to a tank-less water heater, which only heats water when you need it.

-Seal up your home. Repair or replace broken windows. Consider an upgrade to high efficiency windows if your budget allows it. Over the life of the new windows you will pay yourself back many times in savings and warm feet! Also look for areas where drafts of cold air can get in such as door sills, fire place chimneys, areas where vent pipes exit your home.

-Replace old appliances. You can save a substantial amount of money by replacing your old appliances with new energy efficient appliances. You can also recoup some of the cost in the form of a tax credit. You don’t need that old green oven anymore!

-Turn the thermostat down. Throw an extra blanket on the bed and turn your thermostat down an extra two degrees overnight. The energy company told me that for every degree I lower my thermostat I can save 3% on my utility bill.

-Use a programmable thermostat. Program your thermostat to turn itself down at night and during the day while you are at work. Plus, you can program it so that it is nice an cozy by the time you get home. A programmable thermostat can be bought for as little as $20 at a home improvement store.

-Unplug unused electronics. Leaving that computer on while your away from the desk is a big money waster. Did you know that electronics like your television, DVD player, cell phone charger, and others will use electricity even if they are turned off! Unplug them when not in use to guarantee you are saving yourself from utility bill shock.

-Consider alternative energy. Wind Turbines and solar panels are great, but expensive.  For less than $2000 you can get a nice wood burning stove that can potentially warm your entire house for the winter.  That will drastically cut down on your utiliy bills.

-Use heavy Curtains. Thick window coverings will help insulate your home during the winter.  They will stop some drafts and keep the heat inside your home.  In the summer, keep the curtains closed on the side of the home that faces the sun.  Keeping this light and heat away from your windows will keep your room cooler for longer.

TIPS:

-Before making these changes see if your local power company provides rebates for making energy efficient upgrades. My utility company practically paid for the insulation in my attic just because I did a free energy audit with them before hand.

-Being conscious of your energy usage is a lifestyle change, don’t get frustrated when you or someone else forgets to turn the light off, it takes work.

-Look for the energy star label on new electronics and appliances.

-Search your Sunday paper each week for the best deals on things like appliances, windows, insulation. Comparison shop for rebates and free shipping, etc.

-Find more information at http://www.survivalbroadcast.com