We all look for ways to save money in our daily lives and if we manage to help the environment and be a little “greener” while we are at it, all the better. By decreasing your individual energy consumption you can reduce your monthly utility bills and become more eco-friendly at the same time.
Here are a few tips on how you can save valuable energy and put a little money back in your pocket.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats can be installed for approximately $200 – $250 and can save up to $200 per year by automatically turning up your air conditioning and turning down your heat during certain times of the day and night. Using a programmable thermostat and adjusting the temperature in your home while you are at work or asleep, can save you up to 30% on energy.
- Consider installing a tankless water heater. Although a tankless water heater requires a larger initial investment, the savings realized in the long run outweighs the upfront cost. Tankless water heaters are designed to heat water on demand, water is not stored and continuously heated as it is in traditional water heaters.
- Be judicious when deciding what temperature to set your home at. According to the EPA, you can save up to 3% on your energy bills simply by adjusting your thermostat just one degree, either up or down depending on the season. You will notice the savings, but not the temperature difference.
- Wash your clothes in cold water. By washing your clothing at colder temperatures (70-80°F) you will use approximately 40% less electricity than at higher temperatures. This could save as much as $100 per year. Additionally, conserve water by washing full loads, when necessary to wash a small load, use the economy setting if available.
- Unplug appliances and invest in a load monitor. According to a recent IBM study, you can reduce your monthly electric bills by as much as 15% by knowing how much power you are actually using when your appliances are not in use, but still plugged in. Load monitors display how much energy any plugged in device is consuming and when it is using that energy. Monitors help determine which appliances should be turned off and unplugged when not in use. There are even programmable load monitors that are designed to cut power automatically.
