6 Easy Tips to Cut Back on Utility Costs

With rising utility costs and overall living expenses, people everywhere are looking for creative ideas on how to reduce spending.  One of these major areas that can have a significant impact on your bottom line long-term is with heating, cooling and electric bills.

Therefore, it is important to take strides whenever possible to help alleviate this financial burden.  I have devised a checklist of 6 items for you to review and determine where you can start cutting back expenses and improving efficiency in your home:

1.       Maintain your furnace and air conditioning units: This is one area that homeowners can tend to disregard.  Yet, just like conducting routine repairs on your automobiles; likewise, it is just important to keep up with these items as well.  And it’s only necessary once per year!

In fact, the amount of money you can save in the long run by avoiding more significant maintenance hassles or losing a unit well before it’s time makes this step well worth it.  Additionally, you will maintain a higher efficiency and experience cleaner air too.

2.        Standby power: Did you know that many items around your house such as your TV, entertainment system, Wii, computer, microwave, etc. are constantly drawing electricity even when they are not powered on? 

In fact, items throughout your house such as these typically can account for approximately 10% of your total energy consumption!  Simply by having certain items plugged into a power cord that can be switched off when not in use may have a significant impact.

3.       Consider investing in a programmable thermostat: Installing one of these can be fairly inexpensive and is extremely useful for families that are always on the go!  Simply set the meter to fluctuate a few degrees during key timeframes, and the savings will really start to add up.

4.       Decrease your water heater’s temperature: By switching the temperature down to the lowest setting can impact your energy bills from 5-10%.  You will still have plenty of hot water and can enjoy some extra cost savings as well.

5.       Change you appliance settings: Many dishwashers, washers, and dryers have advanced settings that could also be increasing your utility bills.  Consider turning off those extra bells and whistles such as the heated dry, automatic sensor settings, or wrinkle shield.  Also, you can wash with cold water and only do larger loads when necessary.

6.       Dimmer switches and motion detectors: Another tip is to replace your current fixtures or switches with these energy efficient alternatives.  You will be able to consume far less energy and your family will only use light when necessary.  Even if you do not install these items, get in the habit of shutting off the lights in any room that is not occupied.

By following these 6 simple steps, you will begin to save more money and consume fewer resources.  There are so many other ways that you can improve energy efficiency as well, so I encourage you to take the time to research what may be beneficial for you.  Be sure to bookmark my page for regular updates and other free real estate related tips.