Energy Thrift: Seven Unusual Ways to Save on your Energy Bill
Wednesday, January 1, 2014, 1:00 AM | Leave Comment
Life can get expensive, and people are always looking for a way to save a buck no matter where you are. When it comes to your energy bill, there are obvious ways in which you can lower your bill, such as lowering your thermostat during the winter months. However, here are seven not-so-common ways to save on your energy bill.
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Chimney Block
If you have a chimney that is unblocked during the winter, you are losing money. Heat rises, and it escapes right out of this common opening. Chimney balloons are available for those who occasionally do use their chimney, and they are easy to install and uninstall. With a minimal time investment, you can save hundreds.
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Energy Management
Imagine having the ability to change your thermostat settings while you are away from home. Companies, such as Vivint home security and others, have many new technologies to help you save.
For instance, there are home automation systems out there that allow you to manage your energy settings with a touchscreen panel, allowing you the power to save money even when you aren’t in your house.
You can set the program to drop the house temperature during the times of day you are at work, and raise them just in time for you to come home. Solar panels have also become much more affordable thanks to government subsidies, and some companies even offer them to rent, without installation fees.
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Voltage Control
Not all appliances are created equal, and many of the electronics you use in your home are using more energy than they need to operate. By investing in a voltage optimization device, your appliances will only use the energy they need from the electrical socket. These devices save you the most money when used in combination with large appliances like dishwashers, dryers, and washing machines.
For another tip, make sure that when you are not using appliances, unplug them. These vampire energies drain your system even when the appliances are not in use. Unplugging as many of these as you can can save you up to 10% on your energy bill.
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Insulation Substitute
If your home is a standard two-bedroom with cavity walls, you are likely spending hundreds of dollars every year on heat lost through the walls. For a minimal monetary investment, you can easily insert cavity wall insulation to remedy this common problem.
Also make sure that if you have insulation in your attic or crawlspace, you check its depth periodically because over time it settles and you may need to add to it to maintain proper insulation. If you can see the joists, you probably need more.
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Hybrid Water Heater
The average life of an electric water heater is less than 15 years. If yours is coming to an end, purchasing a hybrid water heater could save you around $400 per year. A typical water heater, even tankless models, heat the water tank from the bottom up only, thereby wasting energy. Some new models of hybrid water heaters use dozens of heated pipes that the water flows through, bringing the water to temperature more efficiently.
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Conservative Cooking
The oven is a huge energy consumer, and there are alternatives. By purchasing a halogen oven, you can reduce the usage of gas or electric and decrease cooking time substantially. In fact, using a halogen oven, you can cook a whole chicken in as little as 30 minutes. Halogen ovens use 75% less energy than an electric oven, and cook in 50% less time, creating a significant combined saving.
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Efficient Shower Heads
Many modern shower heads use an exorbitant amount of water, so consider switching to an energy-efficient head, designed to aerate the water, thereby using less while still spreading the available water and providing a satisfying shower. You can save up to 50% by choosing an efficient shower head.
A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned
In today’s economy, whether in Bentonville AR or anywhere in the US, every penny you can save helps. Most don’t realize the numerous techniques they can employ to fatten their wallets. By following these six tips, you can be on your way to saving on your energy bill.
Throw us a like at Facebook.com/doable.financeAbout the author:
A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica is a full-time freelance writer. She has already published articles for a variety of industries, ranging from technology to beauty to health. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. For home automation, solar panel, and energy management systems, Anica suggests checking out Vivint home security.
