Now that everyone is spending more time at home, you are probably noticing a spike in your utility bills. Even though you are saving money by staying home, it is possible to reduce your expenses even further. Here are a few ways of cutting energy costs while we are all under quarantine.
Unplugging Appliances to Cut Energy Costs
If your parents are anything like mine, you probably have heard this advice from childhood. Turning off all the electronics and lights when you leave a room is a great way to conserve energy. It only takes a few seconds and is the easiest solution for reducing your energy usage.
You can cut energy costs even further by unplugging any appliances you aren’t using. Many appliances and electronic devices pull power even when they are turned off. Take a few minutes to unplug all your appliances. This will help your family save even more money and teach them how to reduce their carbon footprint.
Heating and Cooling Costs
Heating and cooling are the largest portions of most households’ monthly utility costs. With summer just around the corner, it will become an even greater expense. Rather than running the air conditioning around the clock, consider some other cooling options.
Open up the windows to air out your home or use electric fans to beat the heat. For those sweltering summer days, you can put a bucket of ice or a wet towel in front of the fan to lower the air temperature even more. Taking a shower in the afternoon is another way to cool down. It may not be as comfortable or convenient as your air conditioner, but it will save you a bundle.
However, if you do decide to turn on those heating and cooling units, check your ducts. If they are not operating properly, money is literally seeping through the cracks of your home. Although you should leave repairs and maintenance to the professionals, there are some common sense things you can do. First, make sure there is no furniture blocking the air ducts. Also, clean the registers regularly to prevent build up. A few minutes of cleaning will make a huge difference in the long run.
Reduce Hot Water Usage
Heating water is another huge energy suck. The best way of cutting energy costs of your water heater is to simply switch it off. However, your family will surely protest to cold showers. Instead of going cold turkey, set a time limit on showering and avoid baths. It is also more cost effective to do larger loads of laundry. You can even turn down the temperature on your washing machine to reduce you energy bill. Don’t let hot water drain your monthly budget.
Be Mindful of Energy Usage
The most important thing to remember while you are home is to be aware of your energy consumption. Be aware of how much electricity you are using and find simple ways to reduce it. This will not only save you money, but it also teaches your family of limiting their environmental impact.
Read More
- How to Reduce Your Energy Costs in the Summer Heat
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.