How to Save Money on Utility Bills During the Winter

It is only the beginning of Fall, and already the chill wind of early morning and late evenings. Here are some ways you can save on your utility bills this winter.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Utility Bills

1. Unplug all electrical outlets in the room that you are not in use.
   Keeping them plugged in will only run up your bill.

2. Change all your lighting to high efficiency bulbs.
   It might not look good, but it will save you money in the long run.

3. Turn off all electricity before leaving the house for the day.

4. Check your garage for power tools that are not in use. Unplug them.

5. Purchase an automatic timer for your kitchen appliances*
   One timer usually has three outlets for connecting your toaster, coffee maker, and microwave.

6. Unplug your hair dryer, curler, electric toothbrush, and shaver in the bathroom.

7. Change the filter in your furnace to keep it running efficiently.

8. Seal Cracks*
   Sealing all the cracks around windows, doors, and siding will eliminate drafts.

9. Clean your dryer's lint trap*
   To improve air circulation, and if possible, dry back to back loads to take advantage of the warm air.

10. Wash Clothes in Warm Water*
    By washing your clothes in warm water instead of hot, you can reduce your energy use by half. If your laundry must be washed in hot water, try cold water for the rinse cycle. About 80% of energy used in washing clothes is for heating the water

Tips & Warnings

• Install low-flow shower heads to reduce water usage.

[turtledove]

on 3/24/2009 I've heard it called vampire power, or phantom energy. What's especially annoying to me is the number of items with clocks in them. If I unplug them between uses, they reset to 12:00 and flash!

[slphilbrick]

on 10/9/2008 Great ideas.....didn't know plugged in items still used electricity in any quantity if they were off !