No one likes the jolt that comes with a higher-than-expected energy bill. Between inflation, gas and grocery prices, and all-around economic tomfoolery, we could all use some tips to keep our utility bills on the lowest setting. Check out these top five easy ways to save on your energy bill!
Seriously, please go and catch it. The best temps for your fridge and freezer keep your food nice and chilled and your wallet happy. 38 degrees is the recommended temp for your fridge, and the best for your freezer is a cool five. Any lower and your appliances might kick into overdrive and drive up those energy bills.
And while we're at it, make sure you close the doors all the way and they're sealed nice and tight. Your budget, and your Dad, will thank you.
Is it cold in here, or is it just us? Drafts coming through windows and doors make your heating system work much harder to keep your home nice and toasty. Take a stroll around the house and add weather-stripping to any spots where you feel a draft to seal it all up.
Weather-stripping is the most cost-effective way to solve this problem, but there are bonus points available if you can afford to step it up. Adding new insulation to your home helps in cool and warm months, helping you save big over the long run. Same thing with splurging on new energy-efficient windows and doors.
That little faucet drip you've been meaning to fix might be costing you more than you think! Those little drips can quickly add up to gallons of wasted water...and you're footing the bill. Fix those leaks and consider swapping out your showerhead or faucet for a more efficient model.
Speaking of water, check your hot water heater settings. Most people keep their tanks set to the standard 140 degrees, but turning them down to 120 will still keep things warm and could lower your bills by 10%. And if you *really* want to go all out, consider washing your clothes with warm or cold water to pinch a few more pennies.
Clear HVAC filters help everyone breathe easy and be less sneezy - and they can also reduce your utility costs. Clogged filters force your HVAC system to work harder to try to pump air through your home, which drives up your bill. A good rule of thumb is to clean or replace your filter twice a year before the summer and winter months.
About 43% of a home's energy bill goes towards heating and cooling, so it pays to nip HVAC problems in the bud. When it's time to change your filters, take a look at your ductwork and seal up any leaks for optimal air flow and lower energy costs.
Making small, inexpensive changes to your home's lighting can lead to lower bills. Swapping out regular light bulbs for energy-saving ones makes a huge difference! Look for bulbs with the Energy Star label. Take things to the next level and swap out your standard light switches to those with a dimmer feature.
If you want more power-savings, snag a couple of smart power strips. Plugged-in appliances can suck up energy, even when they're not in use. A smart power strip is so darn smart, it can cut off power to idle devices. We give that an A+!
Guess what? The President doesn't impact your home's energy price much...but your local & state government reps do! Here’s three small things you can do that make a BIG impact:
