5 Easy Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill

1.  Use Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

These bulbs fit standard sockets, last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs and can save $30 or more in energy costs over a bulb’s lifetime.  These are not the flickering , humming long tube flourescent's you grew up with.  Bulbs are now available in a variety of color spectrums ranging from soft white to full spectrum daylight.  Still skeptical?  Dip a toe into the compact flourescent world by replacing just a few of your most highly used fixtures.

2.  Use a Programmable Thermostat

Using a programmable thermostat allows you to reduce your heating or cooling load during the day when no one is home.  If you're on a budget and can't afford to upgrade your current thermostat, you can still be sure to raise the thermostat a few degrees before leaving for work and set it back to normal when you get home.  The advantage of the programmable thermostat is that it allows you to set your daytime temp further outside your comfort zone and have it automatically pre-heat/cool the house in the late afternoon so that you come home to a comfortable house.  

3.  Use Energy Efficient Appliances

According to the EPA, a home that uses only Energy Star products and appliances will use 30 percent less energy than a house equipped with standard products, saving the typical homeowner about $400 a year.  While you may be paying more upfront for these appliances, the lifetime cost of ownership will result in considerable savings.  

4.  Use the Cold Wash Cycle

Did you know that nearly 80% of the energy used to wash your clothes comes from heating the water?  Plus your clothes will hold up better if you use the cold cycle.  So you're saying, "...but I'm a slob and I neeeed hot water to get my clothes clean."  Are you sure about that?  Yeah, I know that chemistry is still on the side of hot water, but save it for the tough stains.  And when you can, pretreat with hot water, dawn and a little elbow grease.

5.  Use Free Energy

In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing windows receive the most intense light in both the summer and winter. Be sure to use your blinds and curtains to keep that light out during the summer and let it in during the winter.

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