People are always looking for ways to save a bit here and there, and on a bill that can at times skyrocket like your electric bill, sometimes the difference can be astonishing. Take a look at some of these tricks we came up with to save a little money, and we hope you can start implementing them in your daily routine to keep your wallet fat!
- Ceiling Fans are Your Friend
One of the keys to getting your electric bill down is using fewer watts, which is how we measure electric energy. Central air conditioners are going to use about 2,000 watts, while a ceiling fan will use only about 75. Ceiling fans will create the same chilling effect than an AC provides, but for a huge saving in energy. Just be sure to turn the ceiling fan off when you leave the room!
- No More Leaky Faucets
We all have had those sinks that just drip and drip and drip and drip. It’s annoying, but that’s usually not motivation enough to actually get up and do it. Let the savings be what convinces you. An average leak can end up wasting 10,000 gallons of water each year, which is enough to do 270 loads of laundry. By simply fixing that leak, most homes will save about 10% on their water bill. Having a leaky faucet simply isn’t worth it. Here is a fun tutorial on ways you can fix your faucet if you are new to this.
- Keep an Eye Out for Appliances with the Energy Star
Energy Star is a standard for appliances that was established by the U.S. government to promote products that operate at higher energy efficiency. These products usually use 10-50% less energy than standard appliances. Is your toaster bad? Your blender not blending? Time to go for a new one, and this time with the Energy Star logo.
- Low Flow Showerheads
Although the proper suggestion would be to take shorter showers, we all know that we don’t think quite as logical when it’s 7:30 am and we are getting hit with that amazing, steaming water on our backs. But by switching to low flow showerheads, you end up saving large amounts of water while still being able to comfortably shower like usual. Normal showerheads use about 3 or 4 gallons per minute, but a low flow showerhead only uses 2. Stretched over a full year, this will save you between 3,000 and 5,000 gallons. And the best part? They are priced just the same as your normal showerhead! Let the savings begin.
- The Magic Number to Set Your Water Heater Temperature To
Pop quiz: Do you know the temperature your water heater is currently set to? It seems like an odd question, but most water heater’s default temperature is 140 degrees. However, the suggested temperature is far lower than that- 120 degrees. This prevents the risk of scalding as well as saves you a lot of money. For every 10 degrees you turn down on your water heater, you can expect to see $30 savings annually. It also will prevent mineral buildup in your pipes, which –no surprise- end up driving up your electric bill. This is a great and really easy way to save a bit every month.
