10 Ways To Reduce Your Home Energy Bill

  Cutting your energy bill isn't as hard as most people think.  In fact with just a few simple steps you can begin to cut your energy bill to save hundreds each year.  
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  Follow these tips below and start saving money for more important things.

1. In the winter crank your heat down a couple degrees.  Off this step alone you could save a couple hundred each year. It's easy to compromise with the temperature by simply wearing a sweater or using that blanket grandma knitted for your Christmas gift.

2. Only run the dishwasher when it is full.  Dishwashers are more water and energy efficient when full.  Plus you'll reduce the amount of times you have to unload it.  It's a win-win for you and the utility bill.

3. Clean the condenser coil on your refrigerator. It's an easy step that most people don't think about.  Now you can splurge on the name brand ketchup and mustard you've always wanted because you're a responsible energy saver.

4. Replace your furnace filter.  Replacing the filter every two months can improve the furnace efficiency by up to 50%.  It's not time consuming and a very simple step.

5. Install an efficient shower head. Everyone enjoys their morning shower. You can save energy by installing a low-flow shower head. You'll use less water and also less heat without noticing a difference.  To be an over achiever you can insulate the water heater.

6. Install a timer or manually turn off your water heater and furnace (depending on outside temperature) at night.  
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  Some areas have increased energy costs during the day time, so if you shower early in the morning and do laundry later at night there's another chance for savings. 

7. Use double pain windows and caulk any cracks you find.  It'll stop the cold draft you feel by windows and literally save you from throwing money out the window.
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8. Unplug home electronics when they're not in use.  A lot of times they use energy even when they're not turned on.  
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  Start by unplugging televisions and computers.  It's a small step but in one year can save enough to pay for a couple tanks of gas.

9. Use LED light bulbs. This is one of the most common steps homeowners are taking.  They last longer with the lower wattage being used and don't put off as much heat as incandescent bulbs.

10. Clean your dryer vent each time before you use it.  It's also smart to dry two or more loads in a row to take advantage of a dryer that is already warm.  

​  Remove clothes soon after the cycle finishes to reduce wrinkling and that way you won't have to do a steam refresh.

  It's easy to read this article and think you're now a professional energy saver, but it's even easier to forget some of the important steps.  Save this page or print it off to keep a check list of ways to save on your energy bill.  

​  For more ways to save money on energy bills check out stores like Home Depot or Lowe's energy efficient products.

Lafayette Real Estate Blog