8 Useful Energy-Saving Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill
A big electric bill can really make a dent in your monthly budget. TVs, computers, HVAC units, lights, refrigerators, and fans—all drain energy. Sometimes it seems impossible to keep the electric bill down, but it may be easier than you think. Consider these energy-saving tips to save on your next energy bill.
Get an Energy Audit
Check with your energy provider to see whether or not they provide free energy audits. If so, take advantage of the service. It will help you determine what you need to do to maximize the energy efficiency of your home, thus minimizing monthly electric bills.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are quite popular, both for their convenience and energy-saving capabilities. This device can be set to automatically adjust temperature settings to energy-saving levels when you’re sleeping or away from the house.
Pack Your Fridge and Freezer
Food acts as insulation, so keeping your fridge and freezer stocked lessens the amount of time it has to run to stay cool.
Use Fans
Ceiling fans don’t use much electricity at all. Install two or three in your home to keep the air cool and circulated. This will enable you to scale back the thermostat a few degrees. When it’s not too warm, you can also flip your thermostat to fan mode to save extra bucks. Also, replace your heating and cooling system’s air filters to maintain high energy efficiency.
Dry Laundry the Old Fashioned Way
You’d be surprised at how much you save by ditching your dryer. In the summer, use an outdoor line. In the winter, you can use a drying rack. Put the rack near windows on sunny days to expedite the drying process.
Use Power Strips
We’re all guilty of leaving lights, TVs, and computers on. Try using power strips. With all your cords plugged into the same area, you’ll have an easier time remembering to turn everything off.
Shield Your Home from the Sun
You can help control heating and cooling costs by using curtains and blinds to keep heat from coming in through your windows. This should conserve energy and save you a few extra bucks while keeping things more comfortable during the summer months. Conversely, let the sun in during the winter months so you don’t have to blast the heat.
Get the Family Involved
If you have a family at home, get everyone involved. Make energy savings part of the list of household chores. You may even want to offer your children rewards for turning everything off when they leave a room. Be sure to take a tally of energy usage and try to lower the number every month.
About the Author:
Check’n Go is the fourth largest consumer financial service institution offering check cashing and online payday loans in the United States. As a founding member of the Consumer Financial Services Association (CFSA), Check ‘n Go has always been committed to responsible lending and works with legislators to improve the credibility of the cash advance industry. Check ‘n Go has check cashing and payday loan locations in 28 states, with online locations in an additional 3.
This is a sponsored post made possible by Check’n Go.
