In the blog Saving Money on Utilities-Getting Started, 6/25/21, we started talking about ways to earn money for your family on utilities. We delved into some items such as lights, solar, laundry, fans, and home blinds. Today, we’re going to address even more areas to cut back to make a difference in your monthly utility bill.
Thermostat
By buying a digital programmable thermostat, you can automatically adjust temperature when you’re out of home or asleep. There is no need to keep the air or heat on a higher level when you’re not at home. By keeping the thermostat a few degrees colder in the winter at night, you can save you a lot of money. Just put an additional blanket on your bed or dress in warmer sleeping garments. Don’t forget the socks to keep your piggies cozy.
Thermostats have come far in the last decade and have become “smart”. You now have those that can be programmed and connected to your smart phone. Let’s explore the top five choices brought to you by www.bestoffers.com.
· Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control
· Google Nest Learning Programmable Smart Thermostat
· Honewell Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Thermostat
· Hive Heating and Cooling Smart Thermostat Pack
· Lux/Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat
If you’re not ready to upgrade your thermostat yet to a smart option, you still have ways to cut costs. You can reduce the temperature on the thermostat in the winter or increase the temperature in the summer when you are away for an extended period of time. There is no need to keep your normal temperatures when you are out of the home. In the winter, make sure that you don’t drop it below a certain level so that your pipes freeze, but somewhere between 60-65 degrees will probably do the trick. There is no exact rule on the temperature, but just know that it will take a bit of time to adjust back to normal when you come home. In the summer, if you are gone on vacation, consider keeping the temperature between 80-85 degrees. It will seem pretty hot, but it will help your pocketbook. If you are not worrying about pipes or overheating items and no pet is being cared for in your home, you may even turn it off altogether while you’re away.
An effortless way to save money regarding your thermostat is by closing vents in rooms or areas that you don’t use frequently. In our home, we close off vents to rooms that we rarely use and don’t mind if they are a little colder or warmer than others. For example, we keep the vents closed to our guest bathroom on the main floor. The door is typically open anyway and gets the circulation of the house air and doesn’t need a vent specifically itself. Also, someone is in there for such a limited time anyway, that it serves us better to keep it closed. When my daughter was away at college this year, we did this in her room as well.
Depending on your local area and region, your gas or electric company may offer a discounted rate for having them control your thermostat. This means that in times of high use, they can shut of your unit temporarily. We had this option for years and I never noticed a difference in how warm or cold our home was. However, I did notice a difference in our bill. This may be a great option if you don’t have small children.
Wear Layers
Wearing layers may seem like a basic idea, but it can save you hundreds per year. In the winter, throw on that sweater, sweatpants, and blanket when you’re vegging watching Netflix on the couch. Snuggling up with your pet can keep you warmer as well. At night, toss on an extra blanket. If you do have a smart thermostat, program it to pump up the temp before you get up in the morning so you’re not freezing when you have to jump in the shower.
Appliances
Purchasing High Efficiency Appliances will save you loads of money (pun intended) throughout the life of the appliance. Refrigerators, clothing washers & dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and so much more are available now. Make sure you do your research for any energy rebates that may be offered. You could even get a rebate on your taxes as well. In doing your dishes, skip the heated dry option and choose to air dry them instead. Just leave the dishwasher open overnight and dry them naturally.
Air Vents
Most of the new homes have moved the air vents from the floors to the ceiling, but if you still have a home with floor vents, make sure that they are not blocked. With blockage, you are making your HVAC units work much harder than they have to. An easy solution is to move furniture or add directional vents. If you have rooms that you rarely use, completely close those vents to funnel them to the other living areas.
Screen Brightness
Have you ever noticed that having your cell phone screen on full brightness will drain your battery faster? Use this logic when it comes to other items. According to a test done by a Harvard University employee, reducing your computer’s screen brightness from 100 to 70 can save 20% of its energy. This also applies to your TV, phone, and tablet.
Insulation
Proper insulation is extremely important, especially if you have an older home. You want insulation between floors, in the attic, and maybe even under the home. Insultation helps reduce the heat or air that can escape through the cracks and can literally save you thousands per year. Windows are common to find incoming air and even electrical outlets. Add necessary caulking where you feel a draft.
Get Outside
If you’re not home using electronics, running fans, turning on lights, watching TV, then you’re saving money on electricity. Not only are you saving money, but also are getting fresh air and experiencing life. You may even help yourself and your family stay healthy.
To find ways to lower your utility bills, go to www.evergy.gov. This is the U.S. Department of Energy’s website. If you look under the consumer information and click on “your home”, you can find the Home Energy Saver, which is an energy-audit tool. You input information about your home and they tell you ways in which you could improve energy efficiency. You can print out a list and work on these items over time. They may cost you a little bit of money at first, but will be made up in the energy savings long term.
Take note of your current expenses for utilities (electricity, gas, solar) and work on little steps to reduce your bottom line. Do you think you can do it? I think you can. What is the one step that you’re going to try first?
Comments