Cut Energy Costs
Evaluate then reduce the amount of energy you consume and save money
Energy is expensive. The average family spends $1600 a year on utility bills alone. Housing costs take up 30% of the average American budget, and while most of that cost is for mortgage or rent, big utility bills only drive your cost up. But there are measures you and your family can take to save both energy and money.
Tip No. 1: Unplug appliances and gadgets, they suck energy even when off.
TVs, laptops, cellphones, chargers and even coffeemakers account for 20 percent of your electricity bill when they are not in use, according to the Department of Energy (DOE), costing consumers more than $3 billion each year.
Unplug devices when not in use. Remember even sleep and “power-saver” modes can eat up power if the device is plugged in. You can also actually hurt the battery life in some devices by leaving them plugged in after they’re fully charged. In addition, small appliances cause more of a fire risk when left plugged in.
Tip No. 2: Keep money in the bank by implementing strategies to heat and cool your home.
Heating accounts for almost two-thirds of annual energy bills in colder areas of the country and cooling does equivalent budget damage in hot areas. By following these tips you can keep your home at a comfortable temperature without sweating it.