So what do we all do before we leave our house or
apartment? Well, first we forget
everything we are supposed to bring with us, rush back in, get the infamous
supplies we forgot in the first place, and now we’re all set. We feel good, even accomplished, and
then what happens? We realize we forgot to turn the lights off…
Well, this may help ease your pain at running your energy
bills sky high. Recently, I was
sent an article, featured in a financial magazine. I was pretty stoked when I
realized not only could I understand what these financial geniuses were saying,
but I could actually follow their advice!
Here are some steps to follow to decrease your energy bills,
while at the same time being energy efficient and eco friendly!
First: Get
Audited! It’s worth checking out
why your bills are so high.
Costs about $250 to $800, but if you check with your energy
provider you may be eligible for a
rebate!
Second: Caulking
(one tube is $5) up leaky panes or purchasing an energy efficient window (only
$5 to $10 dollars more than a regular replacement window) will save you about
20% on your heating and cooling bills.
Third: Work on
sealing your ducts with Aeroseal.
This seals up all cracks in your ducts, but it does cost $1,500. Fear not, take comfort in the fact that it cuts your annual
utility bills in half!
Fourth: Try to save
money while washing your clothes. Either purchase a front-loading machine ($500
more), or a more reasonable solution, wash with cold water. Why, because it
costs more to heat the water.
Fifth: Heating brings
up costs but if you purchase an energy saving heater, like an Energy Star
Heater, you could be shedding $200 off your bill per year.
Sixth:
Insufficient insulation in your attic and other key places could be a
big cause for high energy bills. , So, look to see if you need better
insulation and spend $1 per square foot to insulate with fiberglass. It will
pay for itself in no time.
Seventh: Water heating
takes up about 15% of your bills. A good soltion would be to turn the water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees and use an
insulating blanket ($25) and insulation for the pipes to keep the heat
contained.
Eighth: Alert
NO COST SOLUTIONS! If you turn
down your thermostat while you’re out or asleep you will be saving $200
annually off of your heating bills. FURTHERMORE! If you turn down your fridge
to 35 degrees to 38 degrees cuts down costs as well.
See attached article to get more information, but seriously
let us get on this!!
