Replacing leaky, noisy windows with super-efficient Intus windows can dramatically reduce your electric bills, reduce exterior noise, unwanted solar heat gain and more.
Meanwhile, EarthDayCentral.com shares some additional ways to lower your electric bills, that will only take you seconds to do every day.
Unplug Unused Appliances
One surprising way you can cut your electric bills is to unplug any unused appliances. Believe it or not even when appliances are turned off, if they are still plugged in they still use electricity. Cell phone chargers are another way to unknowingly drain electricity. Next time remember to unplug things such as your hair straightener, game consoles, coffee pot, and printer when you are not using them. By taking the time to do these steps you will save up to $80 dollars a month on your electricity costs.
Lower Cooling Costs
Be sure to close your blinds on the sunny side of your home during the day. This will prevent the sun from heating up your room and forcing your air conditioner from running more than it needs to. By reducing the amount your air conditioner runs, you reduce your total electricity bills. You further reduce your electric bills by turning your air up a few degrees so that your air conditioner is not running constantly. You can also install and run ceiling fans to help air circulate and lower your cooling costs. A final tip to lower cooling costs is to turn the thermostat up during the evening and placing a fan in the rooms that will be slept in. This will prevent you from cooking the rooms that you are not using. Lowering your cooling costs will save you 10% each year.
Change from Incandescent to Fluorescent
Although this will cost you more in the beginning, changing from incandescent lighting to fluorescent lighting will save you money in the long run. Fluorescent lights last 10 times longer than incandescent lights. You ultimately save by reducing the number of bulbs you buy. This change could also save you as much as $30 dollars in energy costs.
Turn off Those Lights
Although it seems like an idea too simple to mention, it is surpring how many people keep unecessary lighs on around the house durung the day. It really is a simople task to switch off a light when you don’t need it. And while you are at it, unplus the TV or other electrical appliance when not in use. There is no point in keeping a light turned on that you are not using. By turning off unused lights you will save about $35 dollars a year in energy costs.
Maintain Your Refrigerator
You may have noticed that over time your refrigerator does not cool as efficiently as it once did. Instead of turning it up or running out and buying a new refrigerator, you should clean off the coils in the back and clean under the unit. This will clean up the dirt, dust, and pet hair that has collected behind and underneath your refrigerator. This can save you 30% on your cooling costs.
Use Natural Light
Use natural light during the day instead of electric lights. Open the blinds and shutters and allow some direct sunlight into your home or office. In a bedroom, you can increase the use of natural light buy placing a large mirror in a strategic location to spread the light. This is an obvious money saver because it lowers the amount of money you use lighting your home.
Use Timers
If you have a hard time remembering to turn things off you might want to consider putting timers around your home. This will help lower costs all around and you won’t have to worry about remembering to turn things off.
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