Cut Energy Costs

Are you looking for ways to save more money? Of course, we all are in a money saving mode and for good reason. When you save money on day-to-day expenses you make available more money for savings and other financial goals. Increase the amount of cash you can apply toward these goals by saving money on your energy costs at home. Here are a few reminders on how you can lower your electric bill, putting more money in your pocket or better yet, your savings account.

• Reduce energy hogs- Certain appliances in every home have the potential to use up the bulk of the electric you pay for each month. Some of the energy hogs that contribute to 3/4 of your electric bill include: air conditioning, electric heat, electric hot water heaters and stoves or clothes dryers that run on electric only. Consider alternative heating sources such as propane or natural gas to power these appliances and you will be surprised at the drop in your electric bill. The same is true for cooling systems, consider alternative cooling methods to see a significant drop in electric usage. There are currently tax credits available to homeowners who change to energy efficient heating and cooling systems.

• Buy a laptop- Desk top computers, more specifically the monitors can use more electric in one week than running one or more laptops for double or triple that time. On average a laptop uses only a fraction of the energy required to power a desk top computer.

• Energy efficient appliances- There is no avoiding the fact that running an older model stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer can cost you big time on your electric bill. These are also big ticket items as far as cost, therefore it is unrealistic to recommend going out and replacing each appliance with a newer model. With that in mind, when the time comes to replace these appliances, do your homework and buy energy efficient appliances which often use less than 30% of the energy your current appliance needs to operate.

• Use power strips- There are several appliances present in most homes which use energy even when not in use. Your television, stereo and certain office equipment use energy just by being plugged into a power source. The best way to avoid this phantom usage is by unplugging these appliances when not in use, and this is easier and more convenient when you utilize power strips. Simply turn the power strip off and eliminate the electric power going to appliances that are otherwise not in use.

These are just a few of the ways each household can reduce energy costs and lower the electric bill each month. Reducing one bill can make a huge difference in your overall budget by freeing up more cash for debt reduction, savings or other goals.