Ten ways to lower electricity bills.

The cost of living is escalating and with the rising expenses there arise a need to cut down utility bill expenses. By making some simple changes to your lifestyle this can be done. In fact, most of these tips are probably not new to you. If you make good use of them and follow these tips, you will find smaller electric bills.

1. Installing Programmable Thermostat: The Energy Information Administration report says that 40% of the home energy usage is used for heating and cooling spaces. As we forgot to turn appliances when they are not needed, installing a programmable thermostat could reduce energy usage. It can be programmed to switch off the appliances when they are not needed. According to the studies this can help you to save 10% of annual electricity bills.

2. Energy Saving Appliances: The home appliances used in the house such as air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators can save substantial amount of energy. The manufacturers had developed energy efficient appliances which use less electricity to help save some money for the consumers. The government agencies had certified these appliances to help consumer identify these products as energy savers such as Energy Star in America. Energy Star approved products help save you money through their advanced construction and design.

3. Consulting a local HVAC Technician: Consulting an HVAC (heat ventilation and air conditioning) technician can detect leaking ducts or malfunction filter can save a substantial amount on electricity bills. Inspecting filters of furnace and air conditioner can increase the efficiency of the unit.

 4. Proper Insulation: Properly insulated house can substantially save energy bills. A well insulated home keeps air cool in summer and warm in winter. Insulate home’s ductwork and exterior outlets and add sufficient amount of caulk around windows and doors. This will reduce the flow of air and prevents the HVAC system to work harder. Insulating hot water heaters and hot water pipes can also save some money.

5. Washing clothes in cold water throughout the year: By washing clothes in cold water can save a great deal of energy per cycle rather than washing on a hot setting.

6. Change light bulbs to CFL’s: Changing incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs can save up to 25% on lighting costs. CFL”s not only uses less electricity but also last 10 times linger than conventional incandescent bulbs.

7. Unplug cords: Unplug cords such as mobile phone chargers and laptop when not using them. Before leaving the house for work, unplug major appliances. Doing so can lessen electricity use by up to 10 % and increase the life of appliance.

8. Use fans or alternative cooling options: Try not to use air conditioner and look for alternative cooling options. If possible, try to use electric fans. If you live in an arid and dry climate, you can use a swamp cooler. Compared to complete air conditioning units, swamp cooler units are inexpensive and can save you plenty on your power bills.

9.  Using a microwave to reheat food: Try to use a microwave to reheat food or to cook small portions. Although a microwave uses a lot of power, it does so over a very short time and so saves energy overall.

10. Planting Trees: Planting trees outside the house will reduce cooling costs in the longer run. Along with this Painting the roof of the house white keep homes cool in summer by letting less heat in and warm in winter by not allowing more heat escape than other roofs.