January 10th was National Cut Your Energy Costs Day. Spending one day out of the year to cut your energy costs might not make a difference, but little changes in your habits can lead to big savings over time. Here are a few tips on how to bring down your energy bills this winter.
First things first.
- Turn down the thermostat
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs, and turn the lights off when you leave a room
- Unplug appliances when not in use – read more about “vampire power” below
- Don’t run your dishwasher until it is full
- Lower the temp on your water heater
Make Sure Your Heater Does Its Best Work This Winter
Are you living with vampires?
Vampire power refers to appliances and devices sucking energy from your home even when they are turned “off”. Today’s connectivity calls on our devices to leech energy 24/7. Your TV may look as if it’s off, but it is receiving energy as it awaits a signal from the remote to power up.
Just like a vampire, these appliances and devices cloaked in a pleasing package are innocently invited into our homes, and before you can find your silver bullet, your energy bill will devote almost 20% of itself to this unforgiving “standby power”.
Your home’s biggest culprits?
- Desktop computers and monitors
- TVs
- Video game consoles
- Satellite and cable boxes
- Speakers
Read all about The Hidden Costs of Unused Electricity in Your Home at SaveOnEnergy.com to help you manage and spot other energy-sucking appliances.
Other tips to help bring down your energy bill this winter.
- Weatherproof your windows
- Consider replacing outdated windows with energy-efficient windows
- Properly maintain your furnace filters
- Weatherproof your home
For other ideas on how to bring down your energy bills this winter, visit Energy.gov. The little things you and your family can do this winter means savings that will warm your heart.