Photo: Dottie Mae
Saving money and conserving energy weighs heavily on the minds of nearly every citizen on the planet. Knowing that our energy resources may be compromised creates a dilemma, in that we must fins ways – and funds – to meet the needs of our families. We kick off this series with those simple ways to save – with low or no cost to you.
Paying Too Much for Energy?
Take a look at your utility bills. What are you paying each month and each year?
The cost can be great indeed; the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the typical household in the country spends $1,900 on home utility bills. Much of that is wasted, and that means that many Americans may be wasting money. Australians face the same dilemma, with rising energy costs – and little relief in the foreseeable future. Finding ways to save on energy costs is a world-wide goal.
It’s also all about money, at least for those that are environmentally-conscious. Inefficient items add a lot of carbon dioxide to the air, which is the subject of many green initiatives now. Not only can you save on utility bills and add to the value of your home, potentially, but you can do your part in the environment.
Head to the Store Today
If you’re looking for simple, low-cost ways to save, take note of the following ideas:
- Programmable Thermostat: These versatile objects are great for making sure you are comfortable, regardless of the winter chill or the summer heat. The ability to precisely warm or cool your home, and not waste money on such items when you’re not there, is often worth the initial cost of the item.
- Light Bulbs: How’s that for an idea? At any rate, look for compact fluorescent light bulbs that have the Energy Star label.
- Energy Star: Any home appliances and products that you may be in the market for, immediately, should bear the Energy Star label for efficiency guidelines. While you might choose to replace items later on, keep this in mind for upcoming purchases that you might make; we’ll get into the specifics in other articles where you might want to replace perfectly-fine appliances/products.
No Money – No Problem
You can save right now, at no cost. Learn the following ideas to get your home on its way to saving on utilities:
- Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater
- Air dry dishes instead of using the drying cycle on the dishwasher
- Wash only full loads of dishes/clothes
- Aim for short showers instead of baths
- Use power strips for home electronics, and turn them off when not in use
Several of these items can become a part of how you operate in your home; combine them with other easy ideas to begin saving.
Overall, you should notice how some small items can make a difference in your energy costs. Hopefully this has initiated some interest in “green” items for your home. There is much more to learn about saving on energy – and its costs in your home. Don’t stop now; keep on making your home more energy-efficient.
