Are you tired of watching the total on your energy bill slowly creep up month after month? Are you frustrated with the rising costs of keeping your home comfortable and warm for your family? If you’ve decided it is time to reduce your energy expenditures, but you don’t want to freeze in the process, there are simple changes you can make that can lower your electricity bill. Try integrating the following thrifty tips into your daily living routine to see if you can’t save a few dollars on your annual utility costs:
– Add throw rugs to your hardwood floors. Not only do accent rugs look great, they’ll help stop you from turning up the heat due to cold feet. This goes for tile floors in bathrooms and kitchens too. Put a little warmth under your feet instead of automatically reaching for the thermostat.
– Stop peering into the fridge hunting for something to eat. Know what you’re going to get before you open the fridge door. Leaving your refrigerator open while you decide on your tasty tidbit of choice is like throwing cash out your front door.
– Unplug or fully power down electronics when not in use. Microwaves, DVR cable boxes, and many other common household electronics and appliances are so-called ‘energy vampires’, as they continue to draw power when plugged in, even if they are not in use. An ABC article on the subject estimates that the average family incurs roughly $120 of energy costs each year due to energy vampires. Used on/off switches on surge protectors and power strips to prevent this unnecessary energy waste.
– Open all curtains and drapes when the sun is shining to warm your home naturally. There’s no need to crank the heat up when you can just let the warming rays of the sun heat your humble abode. Not only will your rooms be warmer, you’ll probably feel perkier and happier too.
Tiny changes in your living habits can impact your energy bill in a big way. You don’t have to walk around shivering or living in the dark just to save on electricity. With small tweaks in your behavior, you can reduce your annual energy costs a little at a time. Will you be trying any of these tips to help reduce your electric bill?