07th Sep 2009
Save Money on Utilities
Look at your household bills. How much are you paying for your utilities? Chances are that a big portion of your monthly income is spent on paying your household bills, with a good chunk of it going to utilities. There are a few things you can do to lower your utility bills so you can save more money.
1. Which of your appliances are electricity hogs? These are the ones that use up too much power and jack up the cost of your electric bill. Consider registering for a home management load program. This kind of program typically will save you about $100 on your electricity bill, as well as teach you how to practice home energy conservation.
2. Check to make sure that your appliances are energy efficient. Keep in mind that appliances that make up your home’s heating system tend to consume a lot of power, so do your refrigerator and water heating system. It pays to spend some money ensuring to that these appliances are working properly and efficiency. You’ll save more money when your appliances are well maintained and running efficiently.
3. Make sure to tune up your furnace at least two times a year. Insulate your water heater and clean the refrigerator coils two times a year. Set the heater’s timer so that electricity flows regularly each time you’re using the heater. Save money by calling your utility service and inquiring if they are offering any low rate during a specific time each day.
4. You can lower your heating bills and save more money. For instance, you can lower your heating bill by 3% if you set your thermostat 3 degrees lower. Turn your thermostat off when no one is in the house or when it is cool enough outside. You can further save money by turning down your thermostat at night.
5. Do you often make long distance phone calls? If so, consider switching to a phone company that offers unlimited long distance calls for a fixed monthly fee. This will help you save more money. If switching isn’t possible, you can limit your long distance calls. Place your calls on weekends or off peak hours to avail of lower rates. You can also explore other ways of communicating with friends and family and reserving the long distance calls for the really urgent calls. For instance, you can communicate as often and as much as you want over the Internet through e-mail, chat and instant messaging.
6. You can lower your monthly water bill by making sure there are no pipes leaking. Check for leakages in the pipes regularly and fix the ones you find immediately. Consider installing a water saving shower head so that you can control how much water you use when the shower is in use. If you really want to further save water, stock water in a large container and use that for bathing instead of using the shower.
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