Easy Ways To Save On Energy Bills

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Fix leaky faucets: A leaky faucet is a waste — pure and simple. One drip per second can add up to 20 kilowatt hours per month. The good news is that with a toolbox and a little bit of spare time, you can fix most leaks yourself.

saving energy with the power company

Get rebates:If you've installed energy saving equipment in your house, check with your utility company to see if this makes you eligible for a rebate. One piece of equipment that may earn you a rebate from the local power authority is a programmable thermostat — which automatically adjusts the room temperature in your house depending on the time of day. That means that you'll be able to limit energy consumption when you're out at work but still maintain a comfortable living environment when you return home.

Switch to fluorescent bulbs: It's estimated that lighting costs make up 10% of the average energy bill. Go fluorescent, lower your wattage and you'll see a savings. But, naturally, the size of the savings depends on how many lights you use in your home.

save energy through personal habits

Turn off your computer: A computer can put away a lot of power. And although you can save a significant amount of energy by using the sleep mode when you step away from the monitor, the real savings come when you shut down your computer when it isn't in use. So if you don't want to spend your night out worrying about how to pay for your drinks and your energy bill, make sure you turn off your computer before you leave the house.

Wait for the heat: It's tempting to constantly raise and lower your thermostat throughout the day, but it's a huge waste. Because homes and apartments take time to heat and cool down, pick a good temperature and let the thermostat do the work. If you're always adjusting your room temperature, your heating system is constantly at work which, in the end, requires more energy.

Mind the stove: If you use a gas stove, you'll want to keep the burners clean, lest you waste gas and get an inefficient burn. If you're using an electric stove, shut off the burner a few minutes before you're finished cooking; the elements will keep their heat and you'll keep your cash.

Run major appliances at night: Energy rates vary during the day, so it pays to use your major appliances at off-peak hours. Take advantage of this little known fact and start running your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer at night.

Turn the lights off: If you've got fluorescent lights, you'll want to turn them off if your out of a room for more than 15 minutes. For other lights, you can save big bucks by adopting the simple habit of turning the lights off as you're leaving the room/house.

simple steps to saving energy

Saving energy isn't hard and, while there's always room for improvement, it doesn't have to be a task that consumes you. Try some of these tips and check next month's bill; you'll find that you can save money on energy almost without thinking about it. Remember: Little actions can add up to big savings.



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