Finance >> Browse Articles >> Finances
Finance >> Browse Articles >> Savings
7 Ways to Lower Your Utility Bill
Ethan Ewing | Military.com
February 18, 2009
The average American home will spend $990 on heating this year, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Add that to the rising costs of food, clothing, and travel, and almost every individual and family will feel the pinch.
Fortunately, you can make your utility bills more manageable. Many steps to reducing your bills apply to everyone, even those living in barracks. And even if your utilities are currently paid as part of your rent, pay attention: By 2010, only 10 percent of military personnel will live in government-owned residences, and many private or service-owned residences require residents to pay their own utility bills, reports the EIA.
1) Turn down the heat.
Much as we love a cozy home, lowering the thermostat will instantly lower your bill. The EIA says projects that for every degree you lower your heat, you can cut your heating costs by as much as 5 percent. At night, or when you are away, lower the temperature as far as possible while protecting your health and the safety of your pipes. Bundle up with a throw on the sofa, get some warm slippers, and wear a sweater or fleece. If necessary, stay cozy at night with an electric blanket, which uses less energy than heating the entire home or apartment.
2) Program the temperature.
Make furnace settings automatic by installing a programmable thermostat. These devices cost about $40 and are simple to install.
metot
3 months ago
470 comments
Informative tips, Thanks:)
luv2cruz
6 months ago
12 comments
Our power company gave us tips on how to conserve energy and would come to your house to do an energy audit. Once people started cutting back on electricity and gas use, the power company said it was losing money due to the cut back on consumption and asked the state regulatory commission for a rate increase. You can't win!!!!
kbtordai
7 months ago
708 comments
Great tips - Thanks!
e_beth_82
9 months ago
2 comments
That's great and everything, but the latest "stimulus" bill included a section that is going to allow electric companies in regulated states to continue charging the same total amount of money to their customers even if they reduce their energy consumption. In other words, no matter how much you reduce your electricity usage, your electricity bill will remain the same.
cjpauff
9 months ago
4 comments
Upon attempting to convince the changer of the light bulbs, I may have hinted on his AFD which has now resulted in his defence of the cheapness of florescent bulbs along with his "So I can't even save money right" speech.
jbpaquette
9 months ago
4 comments
Fluorescent lighting is actually very bad for your health. It's less expensive, but not as healthy especially for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Choose your payback. Also, consider an alternative energy provider in deregulated markets. Do not, however lock in to extended year contracts. The safest, simplest are month to month with one that gives you a guaranteed percentage rate. Budget billing, by the way is not a savings. A more accurate term would be averaged billing. In most cases, if you don't use what the utility "budgets", you don't get it back. In our case we found out that 9 months out of the year we were paying more then we needed to that's 75% of the time. Best case scenario, learn to budget yourself and not let someone else have control of your money. Other tips are good, furnace down, turn off unnecessary lightening and electronics and have set laundry days.
Excelle_Editor
9 months ago
546 comments
This time of year, my power bill DOUBLES. My mom & I have a contest at the start of the winter, too, to see who can hold out the longest before turning on the heat. This year, I think I won! :) Layers of sweatshirts & robes do the trick! Granted, my apartment is smaller that her place.
But these tips are great. Definitely keeping this article on hand!
MagicMarketing
9 months ago
290 comments
I hope no one else is having power bills like I am. Geez! Great tips!
Dana_B
9 months ago
150 comments
Google How to make a Solar Heater/Fan and you'll find a few ways to make your own solar heater/space heater or fan - Here's an example of a solar space heater using pennies, plexi-glass, & foamcore: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/11/cheap_and_easy.php
Or you could just buy them, like I should probably do since I'm not so good with building!