How to Save on Energy Costs Without Spending Money
With the economy still sputtering, an increasing number of individuals are starting to take energy-saving very seriously. What was once a forgetful $25.000-$50.00 in excess on your electric bill from the previous month is now serious cash that would have been much needed elsewhere. We want to cut down on our dependence on electricity, but with modern life so utterly reliant on television, computers, smartphones, and powerful appliances, cutting electricity out of the daily equation is easier said than done. Until you can afford an expensive Eco-friendly update to your homestead, you might conclude that efforts to save on energy are futile.
However, this is not the case. The following are ways to reduce home energy use without reducing the actual use of this energy. More importantly, these methods require no extra money out-of-pocket.
Unplugging cell phone chargers
No matter if it’s a prepaid cell phone or an ultra advanced iPhone 5, mobile devices need to absorb a lot of energy to make it through the day without dying. But many people don’t realize that phone chargers that remain plugged into the wall continue to act as though there were still a phone being charged; it’s as though you never unhooked the device. Make it a habit to unplug phone chargers when you’re done using them.
Keeping your refrigerator full of items
Unless your fridge is optimized for energy efficiency, it’s mostly likely going to be responsible for a whopping one-sixth of total energy consumption within your home. In order to cut down on the amount of re-cooling the unit must enact whenever the door is opened and closed, keep your fridge stocked. More items means more cold is retained. It doesn’t have to be costly groceries either: jugs of water will get you the same results.
Inspect your heating and cooling ducts
They don’t call it duct tape for no reason. You most definitely have a roll of this magical material in your house, so take it with you to the basement and attic and check for signs of cracks and gaps throughout accessible ducts. When you see them, immediately seal them; according to the United States Department of Energy, up to 60% of heating can be lost before it ever makes it to the inside of the home due to poorly sealed ductwork.
Indoor hang-dry during the winter
We’ve become so used to the washing machine being paired with a dryer that we forget that we really don’t need the latter. During the summer you can always air dry your wet clothes outside. But during the winter, what’s wrong with air drying them inside your home? It’ll save you bundles on energy, plus it will add much-needed humidity inside your home.
Switch to compact florescent lamps
Okay, this one isn’t exactly free, but since you’re going to buy light bulbs anyways it doesn’t add more spending into your finances. While much costlier up front than traditional light bulbs, CFLs are guaranteed to save you money in the long-run. They provide as bright of light with half as much energy, and will ultimately save you $40 over the course of its life when you factor the traditional bulbs you won’t be buying.
Saving on energy costs and utilizing energy-savings tools like www.newyorkenergyrates.com has never been a more pressing concern for families stressed over their finances. But it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to throw down serious dough on investments. It can be as simple as unplugging a charger or filling up some pitchers full of water.
Maybe you’ll have to go out and buy a $1.50 roll of duct tape – but that’s a worst-case scenario. Did you know that you can also reduce your electricity bills by switching from an expensive plan that you are using to a cheaper one? There are credible and reliable sites that can help you to compare electricity rates in your area of residence. Such sites include Electricityrates.com, which lists all available providers in your locality, and therefore you can choose plans that you can afford. For instance, if you are based in Connecticut, you are able to compare all the providers that you have around and compare their rates. If you would like to compare electricity providers in Connecticut, click here.
Not using the dryer is a HUGE savings. We usually hang our clothes outside in the summer months because our bills get so high and it helps dramatically!
A very informative article, thank you. I fully agree that duct tape can do some wonders to get more benefit from that heat that is getting more and more expensive.
I would like to add that it is estimated that 30% of the heat that gets into the house is lost through air leaks. When we consider that roughly 50% of our annual energy bill is for heating it becomes obvious that this is where we need to focus our attention. While making improvements on insulation may look like a big expense item, affordable solutions that can easily be put into place exist and the benefits largely outweigh the investment.
Wow! Thank you so much for posting this article. I didn’t know that the cell phone charge keeps going when not in use. Un plugging mine tonight. Thanks again.
i did not know that about the fridge thank god i have an energy efficient one
These are such great tips. I never knew that phone chargers that remain plugged into the wall continue to act as though there were still a phone being charged. We always leave ours plugged in. I will definitely start unplugging them. I didn’t realize keeping your fridge full helps it to retain the cold. Thank you so much for sharing!