How to save a truckload on you energy bill

By grouch

Rate: (9 Ratings)

It is that time of year again. We all button down our home for the winter and watch the electric bills climb. Knocking the thermostat down a degree or two we hope to keep our bill in check without freezing out the others in our lives.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1
One quick and easy way to save a little green is to change out all the light bulbs in your home to the new compact florescent bulbs. These are now so popular that they can be found in most hardware and home stores.
Step2
Rather then making your own trip back and forth to the thermometer install one that is programmable. You can set up a program to turn the temperature down while away at work and even set it to come back up just before you arrive home. This could save you time and money.
Step3
Leaky drafty windows are where the majority of homes lose their heat. You can check for leaks with a lighter or candle held close as you circle around the window seal. You will see the flame begin to dance if there is a leak. You can weather strip or seal your windows with a window winter kit. These are both temporary fixes and your best option is new windows to cut the cost yearly. You could check with home builders or home supply stores in your area for a deal on larger purchases.
Step4
Running your dryer during the coldest part of the night makes it work harder. The best time to run the dryer is when it is already warm then you don’t have to run it as long to dry the same amount of clothing.

Tips & Warnings

  • Do laundry during the day.
  • Install motion sensors that turn off the lights if there is no movement.

Comments

| View All Comments
Flag This Comment

on 6/22/2008 The Clothes Dryer uses thousands of watts of power. Night drying makes little difference. However -- there is a new solar-upgrade kit from SunCache that slashes dryer power consumption so efficiently that it pays for itself in under 3 years & the savings can literally buy your next washer/dryer & replacement cost for all fluorescent bulbs! Energy credits & tax incentives may even pay for the modest installation fee! Request info at: Info@SunCache.com

amylaine said

Flag This Comment

on 5/19/2008 Great tips.

pondlady said

Flag This Comment

on 5/8/2008 Great dryer idea.

nrgguy said

Flag This Comment

on 1/23/2008 Leaky windows are NOT the major energy wasters they are made out to be. Read the building scientists; air leaks and insufficient insulation are the biggies.

Flag This Comment

on 1/12/2008 This is a great article. Good idea about the dryer.

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to save a truckload on you energy bill

eHow Member: grouch

grouch

Authority Authority | 20970 Points

Category: Home & Garden

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Home & Garden

Willi
Meet Willi Galloway eHow’s Home & Garden Expert.