Everyone loves to save money, especially when it comes utilities. Here is a list of helpful tips and some ideas so you can lower your energy expenses! Not only will you be saving money, but you’ll also be helping the environment!
- Check out your energy usage. Most utility companies will provide a breakdown of your usage so you can see exactly how much you are using. Being able to keep a record of your usage will allow you to adjust in the areas where you need it most. Not only can you make accommodations for your individual usage, but you can also keep a record going forward to see how successful you’ve been in your efforts to lower your energy costs.
- Look at peak hours. A majority of utility companies have peak hours for their rates and generally there’s a higher charge if you use during those hours. Reach out to your utility company to see when those hours are and then be sure to schedule your usage outside of those hours. Save your laundry and running the dishwasher for outside of the peak hours so you can avoid getting charged at a higher rate.
- Save money when doing laundry. About 90 percent of energy consumed by your washing machine is due to heating. So an easy way to save is to wash your laundry in cold water and line dry your clothes when you can. Be sure you are only washing a full load so you can minimize your usage as well. Cleaning out the dryer lint will also ensure that your dryer is working to its greatest potential.
- Keep the cool air in and the hot air out. Using blinds and putting up curtains is a great way to keep your home cool. The Florida sun is brutal sometimes and by keeping the heat outside, your AC won’t have to work so hard to combat the temperature changes.
- Use power strips. Even when you’re not using your electronics, they can still generate electricity when they are plugged in. Unplugging your TV or computer every time you use it sounds like a great idea, but it’s not very practical and it’s easy to forget. Plugging the electronics into a power strip then turning off the power strip when you’re done using them is an easy solution- all your electronics will be in one spot so you’re less likely to forget to shut off the power strip.
- Set your AC on a schedule. A lot of thermostats have an option for you to program your AC to fit your schedule. Programing your AC will allow you to have it cooling when you know you will be home so it’s not running when you don’t need it too. It’s easy, convenient, and it allows you to have peace of mind to know that you aren’t wasting money.
- Replace the AC filter every 30 days. Replacing the AC filter every 30 days will keep your unit running smoothly and effectively, but it will also save you some money. If the filter is dirty and is needs to be replaced, the AC system works harder to generate cool air thus making an impact on your utility bill.