Who couldn't use a few extra bucks in their pocket? Add a few of these practices into your daily routine to subtract a few dollars from your utility bills. The more you do, the more you save.
Multitasking is a No-No
Many companies charge your energy usage in tiers, which means the more you use at one time, the more you are charged. So in short, don’t run your dishwasher and clothes dryer at the same time. Also, try not to use your appliances during peak hours to avoid power surges and higher energy bills. Typically, peak hours are in the morning from about 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and late afternoon from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Let the Dishwasher Wash the Dishes
Believe it or not, washing the dishes in the dishwasher saves more water than hand washing. Here’s the catch--don’t use the dry setting on the dishwasher. Instead, put the dishes on a dry rack or use a towel.
Microwave Beats Oven
Besides it being the fastest cooking method in your kitchen, microwaves use a third of the energy to cook the same food when compared to a stove. Next time you hear that hum of your microwave, just think of all the money you’re saving.
Switch it Off
If you can flip a switch, you can save money. Turning off the lights when you leave a room is a no brainer. However, turning off electronics when not in use is a little harder to keep in mind. Simple things like setting the sleep timer on the TV instead of leaving it on all night can save a lot of energy. Take it one step further and unplug appliances when they’re not in use.
Pack it In
Obviously you’re not going to turn off the refrigerator and unplug it during peak hours, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways to make it run more efficiently. By stocking a lot of food in the refrigerator, less cold air will escape when the door is open and the refrigerator won’t have to work as hard.
Out with the Old, In with the New
Traditional incandescent light bulbs have been around for more than a century and the technology really hasn't advanced until the last few years. In fact, 90 percent of the energy needed to light the bulb is lost in the form of heat. Energy-saving incandescent light bulbs can reduce energy up to 25 percent, and CFLs and LEDs can reduce almost 75 percent!
