How to Save Energy and Money

How would you like to cut your energy usage by about 15-20% this year? Even though oil is sliding down and, slowly, the cost of other energy, we should still be vigilant in looking for ways to save both energy and money. I offer you these tips on cutting costs and energy.

Update old appliances: Newer appliances such as refrigerators and freezers can cost you on the front-end, but in the long run pay off on your utility bills with lower energy consumption. Make sure that it is an energy star appliance as they use on average 30-40% less energy, thereby saving you money.

Change out light bulbs: Begin replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. They put out the same amount of light, but use 75% less energy. For example, if you replace a 60-watt incandescent bulb for a 15-watt fluorescent bulb, you get the same amount of light for 75% less energy used. Also, keep an eye out for new LED lighting, which uses about 90% less energy than incandescent. You don't have to change them all at one time, but at least replace them when they start burning out.

Wash in cold: Most clothes can be washed with cold or warm water. Only wash with hot water when you need to. This will save the hot water and not force your water heater to work harder.

Check your thermostat: During the winter, try keeping your thermostat at about 70 degrees, or a little lower and wear your woolie jammies. By doing this, you will give your furnace a rest and lower the energy cost. Also, purchasing a programmable thermostat, about $25.00, can help you manage energy while you are away. Most homes are empty from about 8am - 5pm when we are at work or school. This is 45 hours that the furnace or air conditioner does not need to work as hard. In the winter, I set mine to 65 degrees from 7:30am until about 4:30pm. At 4:30, it sets to 70 degrees so it is comfortable when we arrive home. Then, at about 10:00pm until 6:00am, it sets back to 68 degrees since we are snuggled under blankets. This has saved me about $200.00 this past year.

Kill the vampires: That sounds like a bad late-night horror flick, I know. But we're talking about energy vampires. One night, turn off everything you normally turn off and walk around the house. Every little thing you see that is glowing is using electricity. Cell phone chargers, computers, modems, TVs, DVD players, etc. These are estimated to cost the average household about $120.00 per year. Make a list of these vampires and determine what can be unplugged. Of course, you don't want to unplug your Tivo, or your wife will get very upset when it doesn't record her favorite show! A kilowatt meter is about $25.00 and can tell you what each appliance is using.

Create your own energy: This one is pretty radical, but if you are the determined, do-it-yourself type, you can actually take steps to create your own energy and cut down what you pay to utilities. For more information, see the link at the bottom of this article.

There are many ways we average people can save on our energy bills, we just have to know what to look for and take the steps.

Chris Corrigan is helping families like yours get through some tough economic times. You can see more in his blog.

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