From Guest Blogger Brooke Chaplan: Six Energy-Saving Secrets Every Family Should Know
Typically, an American family spends up to $2,700 a year on electric bills. With energy costs spiraling upwards more each year, it’s important for families to try to save as much in energy in their homes as possible. Below are several energy-saving tips families should have in place with an eye toward not only creating wealth for their family pocket-book, but limiting their carbon footprint on planet Earth as well.
Digitally Programmed Thermostats
For an easily affordable price, digitally programmed thermostats provide one of the simplest, most effective methods of immediately reducing energy consumption. Being certain to diligently monitor how your family sets the thermostat can reduce your electric bill by leaps and bounds. Set your home’s a/c thermostat either up or down during the appropriate season of the year and try not to use it at all while away for the day or vacations. Having a licensed plumber or HVAC repair system technician or company like Cape Fear Air Conditioning & Heating Co., Inc. come to the house and set the thermostat correctly can also be a big help to your wallet in the long run.
Watch Your Water
Taking short showers instead of long baths go a long way in saving on your water costs, as well as shutting off the faucet with every mouth rinse or hand wash. Washing clothes and dishes in the machines with a full load will also help to save both water and electricity.
Use Smaller Appliances for Smaller Meals
Turning on the oven to make a piece of toast is anything but energy-efficient. Try to bake big meals in one go and reheat during the week. The less energy you use over the course of your weeks can really make a difference in the family budget.
Unplug
If you unplug appliances, no matter how small or large, you’ll be saving up from 10 to 25 percent of the electricity consumed in your home, according to one U.S. Department of Energy report. Check carefully for any and all appliances that are still plugged in and you’ll avoid much of the phantom power adding to your electric bill each month.
Check the Fridge
Check your manufacturer’s manual for best temperature settings on your refrigerator and freezer. Generally, you should aim for 40 degrees for the refrigerator and 5 degrees for the freezer. Make sure the large rubber seal band around the fridge door seals the appliance tightly to avoid escaped cold temperatures.
Opt For Energy Star Or Natural Gas Appliances
Think of this option as an investment rather than a huge expense. With a new energy star appliance, you’ll use a lot less energy and electricity and you can save time doing tasks. It makes a lot of household chores that much easier and will save you money in the long run.
For a family working to save money on the budget each month, these ideas can help to keep your costs under control. When it comes to the big bills, make sure you are doing everything possible to save yourself on some of the major costs.
