Have you ever sat in front of your bank statement at the end of the month and wondered where all your money goes? Have you ever gotten your electricity or gas bill and stared in disbelief at how much money you’re spending just to keep the lights on and your home warm? If so, this blog post is for you!
Energy is expensive. The average American household spends $2,200 per year on energy. These easy and quick tasks will only take a few minutes to complete and will help save you money on your electric bill.
1. Change Your Lightbulbs
Did you know that it’s possible to save $75 per year just by replacing your home’s five most frequently used light bulbs with ENERGY STAR light bulbs? Traditional incandescent lightbulbs use a lot of energy to produce light, and 90% of that energy is given off as heat. The lost energy is wasted energy, and therefore wasted money. Energy-efficient light bulbs use between 25 and 80% less energy than traditional light bulbs, come in a wide array of colors and light levels, and last significantly longer than traditional bulbs. The few dollars and five minutes you will spend on energy-efficient lightbulbs will give you a return on your investment within months.
2. Lower Your Water Heating Temperature
You may realize that most manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140°F when most households only require them to be set at 120°F.* Turning down your water heater will prevent scalding, slow mineral build-up and corrosion in your water heater and pipes, and can save between $36 and $61 annually. Bear in mind that each water heater differs and as such, you should consult your water heater’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to operate the thermostat. Shut off the electricity to the water heater before removing or opening the panels, and follow the directions for lowering the temperature outlined in your owner’s manual.
3. Unplug Appliances That Are Not In Use
Whether or not your appliance is actively in use, it uses energy whenever it is plugged into the wall. With the average American household owning twenty-five consumer electronic devices, you can see how leaving all of these devices plugged in constantly can significantly impact your electric bill. While certain appliances should always remain plugged in (like a refrigerator or an alarm clock), it’s a wise idea to unplug devices you don’t use often. Also, whenever you travel, be sure to unplug your larger appliances such as televisions and computers.
At the end of the year, marvel at the money you’ve saved and take yourself out to dinner. You could even treat yourself to a no-cost home energy assessment and potentially save even more! Contact us today to learn more.
