Each year our electric bills go higher and higher and our salaries stay the same. Do you ever feel like your loosing ground financially? I know I have in the past and it led me to learn how to save every penny I could without inconveniencing myself to a point I knew I would not follow through with my plans to save money on my electric bill. In this article I will share with you some of the changes I have made in my life and household that helped me save money on my electric bill.
Step2
Install window blinds on all of your windows. This will save you money throughout the whole year by keeping heat out in the summer and keeping heat in during the winter. Window tinting might be a viable option as well. There are some wonderful tints out on the marketplace now that cut light penetration greatly while not interfering with visual clarity from within your home. Triple pane windows will also save you money on your electric bill in the long run.
Step3
Place your air conditioners and heat pumps in the shade. This will keep them cool during the summer and they will not have to work as hard to do their job of keeping you cool. Keeping your air conditioners and heat pump serviced regularly could save you money over the long run. Change the filters in your air conditioners and heat pumps regularly. Keep a check on your duct work. A duct with a weak seal or even worse a broken seal will cost you a lot more than a repairman over the years.
Step4
Switch to LED light bulbs. These bulbs are very very efficient light bulbs. Ones equal to a 100 watt incandescent light bulb uses about thirteen watts of electricity. LED light bulbs also last a long time, an average of ten years of constant usage. High quality LED light bulbs are rather expensive though....about eighty dollars each. After the initial sticker shock these bulbs are cheaper due to the savings in energy and their extremely long lifespan. Bottom line, LED light bulbs will save you money on your electric bill. Fluorescent lighting contains mercury and that was a real deal breaker for me as a parent. Install sensors in each room of your house that automatically cut your lights off when no one is in the room. These work great for living rooms, bathrooms, utility rooms, attics, basements, and garages.
Step5
Plant shade trees around your house. These will help keep your house cool in the summer. Evergreen trees make great wind breaks to save you money on your electric bill during the winter.
Step6
nstall a solar assisted hot water heater. These hot water heaters use solar heated water to help cut down the power necessary to heat your hot water. The hot water heater is the biggest energy user in most peoples homes so a solar assisted hot water heater will save you money on your electric bill.
Step7
When shopping for new appliances, always look for the Energy Star icon. These appliances are certified to use a lesser amount of power and yet give as good or better quality as a non-certified appliance.
Step8
Check the weather striping and calking throughout your home and replace any that is cracked , broken or shrunken. Keep your warm or cool air in the home where you can enjoy it and you will save money on your electric bill.
Step9
These tips could possibly save you 20% on your electric bill each month for an average savings of $600 a year. Saving money on your electric bill is a easy task if you know what to do and have the determination to do it.
on 10/9/2008
Thank you for these practical tips; I hadn't ever really considered LED bulbs because of the cost, but the mercury part has me thinking. I know the amount is minimal but the environmental effects of disposal are probably significant.
Comments
agille said
on 10/9/2008 Thank you for these practical tips; I hadn't ever really considered LED bulbs because of the cost, but the mercury part has me thinking. I know the amount is minimal but the environmental effects of disposal are probably significant.
SimplySmart said
on 9/30/2008 These are great ideas!
pianistic said
on 9/29/2008 Great!
JennyHenny said
on 9/28/2008 thanks for the tips!
JennyHenny said
on 9/28/2008 thanks for the tips!