How to lower your utility bills.

Are you afraid to open you water bill, electric bill, or gas bill?

STOP paying so much money on utilities.

I will give you a lot of ideas for every season and aspect of your home from cooking to watering plants.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motivation and a good attitude.

1. Heater:
   
   In the Winter at night lower you heater and put some extra blankets on the bed. This will significantly lower your heating bill because most people sleep one-third of the day (8 hour estimate).
   
   Hot Water heater:
   when you go on vacation set the water heater to the vacation setting

2. Air Conditioning:
   
   In the summer during days that are not unbearably hot, open all the windows
   and turn on the ceiling fans. You will be surprised at how much this will lower your bill.

3. Water:
   
   Shorten your shower
   shut off the water when brushing your teeth

4. When watering plants:
   
   consider buying a rain barrel to collect rain water
   don't use the hose, just use a watering can
   water right at the base of the plant so that you don't waste water around and above it

5. Cooking Tips:
   
   When making soup from can make it in the microwave instead of the stove.
   This way you only have to wash one object and you won't use any gas from the stove.

6. Electricity:
   
   This is the oldest one in the book, your parents probably told you a million times when you were young but I will say it again:
   WHEN YOU LEAVE A ROOM SHUT OFF THE LIGHT
   
   put the computer in sleep or standby mode when you are not using it

7. a lot of people leave their cell phone chargers plugged in even when they are not charging their phone, this still uses electricity so unplug chargers when you aren't charging something
   
   unplug nightlights or buy nightlights with a daylight sensor which will automatically turn off when it senses sunlight

8. These are just the tip of the iceberg, I have provided more resources for you to use.
   
   Happy energy Saving!!!

9. Order the FREE Energy saving DVD by visiting: http://xeenergysmart.xcelenergy.com.evohst.org/flash-page

Resources

• Enery Hog
• Order the energy saving DVD
• Alliance to Save Energy

[GetConnected]

on 7/18/2008 Agreed. Conservation is always a good idea. We've got to start thinking more about HOW we live and evolve a bit. Learn to be more energy efficient, saving money and the planet in the process!

Of course, you could also look into finding a cheaper provider in the first place. The company I work for has a site that lets you compare and choose providers free of charge. You can hook up your gas, electricity, phone, cable, etc. All at one time for free! It's www.Allconnect.com

[AbbyNormal]

on 5/5/2008 Very good article.