Cutting down your electric bill may have you frustrated. Changing your light bulbs to fluorescent lights, and purchasing energy efficient appliances are some of the common ways to save energy, but you can do so much more.
Facebooker, Jayne Walbridge writes: "I was told that if you're not using a certain appliance (toaster, etc.). To unplug as electricity is still being used. So I have been doing that and I'm going to watch my next bill."
Experts say unplugging any appliances and heaters is a great choice. Always turn off your lights, or lamps when leaving, but there are other techniques that could help.
Natasha Koss, Program Manager at Superior Watershed Partnership said one of the easiest things to do is control your thermostat. "Using a programmable thermostat. That way you can have it set certain times of the day when you normally not going to be home. It can just automatically go down to sixty degrees and the same thing at night," Koss said.
That's for the inside of the house, but you also need to evaluate the exterior as well. Make sure your house has proper insulation because that's how drifts from the wind can easily leak in. If you own a home you may also want to change your doors and windows as it could pay itself off in as little as one year. Replacing a window or door with an energy efficient one can cost you a couple hundred dollars.
Shaun Puzio, Exterior Project Specialist at Lowes said If that's out of your budget try repairing it. "Insulating all the cracks and gaps in your whole house inside and out from faulty windows, window film. Insulating using caulk, there are covers, there's pads that will go behind switches and outlet covers to help," said Puzio.
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