Keeping your lights turned on certainly isn’t cheap; add in the heat, hot water, air conditioning, and all of the other conveniences in your home, and the cost of your utility bills really adds up. It’s estimated that the average family spends more than $2,000 a year on their utility bills. That’s a big chunk of change.
Fortunately, by making a few minor adjustments, you can shave a good bit off of your utility bills. Here are three ways that you can cut the cost of your energy bills and keep more of your hard-earned money where it belongs: in your pocket!
Power Down those Electronics
If you’re like most people, you probably keep your TV, computer, video gaming systems, and other electronics plugged in when you aren’t using them. Sure, turning them off reduces the amount of energy that these devices consume, but it doesn’t completely eliminate the power that they use, as they continue to suck power from the outlets they’re plugged into. Yes, even when they are turned off and it really impacts your electricity bill.
While unplugging those devices after each use might be an annoyance, doing so can save you a good bit of cash. To avoid the hassle of constantly unplugging and plugging back in, connect electronics to power strips and shut off the strip when you aren’t using them. Alternatively, if your devices allow, set startup and shutdown times so that they power down and up on their own.
Wash the Laundry at Night
Washing your laundry at night can actually save you money. Why? Because some utility providers actually charge lower rates at night and washers and dryers use a lot of energy.
Hours and rates do vary, so contact your power company to find out if they do charge a lower rate and if so, what time the discount starts. If your utility provider does charge lower rates during the evening hours, it could be well worth your while to do the laundry at night instead of during the day could be well worth your while.
Open and Clean Your Vents
For most homeowners, heating and cooling accounts for a large percentage of their power use. By simply keeping your vents opened and cleaned, you can lower your utility bill without sacrificing your comfort.
When the vents are closed or dirty, your HVAC system isn’t going to run as efficiently as it should. It has to work harder to heat or cool your house, and the harder the system works, the more energy it’s going to use and the more money you’re going to spend. Check your vents to make sure that they are open and clean.
Get in the habit of inspecting the vents on a regular basis. If they’re closed, pop them open, and if they’re dirty, clean them out.
These simple changes can help to significantly reduce your energy use and the cost of your utility bills without compromising comfort and convenience.
