By Chris Buchheit on May 21, 2010
Electric Money! Sweet!
.jpg.aspx?width=75&height=75) In this economy, money that isn’t nailed down needs to be saved and budgeted. It’s the best way to keep your finances afloat. So, to continue our efforts to keep your and your family’s economic situation square, we are going to provide one of the best ways to save lots of money – saving on your electricity bill. Thankfully there are many small ways to save on your electricity bill, that when added up, can save you a pretty good chunk of cash.
First and foremost, there are a few small things you can do that will add up. For example, don’t use too many lights that you do not need to use. Turn off the lights when you leave a room, open up the blinds as an alternative, turn off the hot water in between washing dishes, and try to limit your shower times. These tips alone will save you a good deal of money from the onset.
According to MSN.com, most of the electricity bill in an average household comes from heating and cooling. Backing off on the heater and the air conditioning can be a really quick way to save money. If it’s too cold, put on some extra clothes and some socks before turning up the heat, and when you do, be sure not to exceed more than five or ten degrees. If it’s the summer, and you cannot stand the heat, consider moving to Michigan. If that’s not on your agenda, you might be able to save some money if you buy a more accurate thermostat. Another alternative to air conditioning is a ceiling fan, which consumes much less energy. As far as heating is concerned, another consumer of heat comes from your hot water heater. If you turn down the temperature on your hot water heater, that is another fast and easy way of saving money and unless you actually enjoy cold showers, you will also save money on your water bill.
Another fantastic way to save money on electricity is to install energy-efficient devices and lightbulbs. However, if you do not have the money on hand, it is definitely an investment worth saving up for. When considering how much you save on your electricity bills with these appliances, such as dishwashers, washer and dryers, they eventually end up paying for themselves.
These are only a few tips for saving money on your electricity bill, but they can go a long way.
Note: Lower income households may be eligible for special funds or energy credits. Electric bill assistance programs distribute federal, state, utility and charity funds to eligible households who are unable to afford high power bills.
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