Martine Sicard
10 Ways to Save on Your Utility Bills

Utility bills can consume a very large portion of your paycheck.  Wouldn't it be nice if
you could pay 25-50% less on these bills?  There's a number of ways you can.  Don't
worry you won't find any low flow toilets on this list!

    #1 Change your light bulbs - Compact florescent bulbs use about 25% the
    electricity of standard incandescent bulbs and will last for years.  They do not
    work with dimmer switches, but you can swap out the majority of your light bulbs
    and save a significant amount on lighting.

    #2 Check your insulation – Go in your attic.  Does your insulation cover all the
    2x4?  If not you don’t have enough.  Having a well-insulated house will save you a
    significant amount on your heating and cooling bills and is well worth the cost.  It’s
    also the kind of project the average homeowners can do by themselves.

    #3 Fix leaking faucets – I’m sure you have heard even a small drip in your sink
    can fill a swimming pool in a year.  It can also empty your bank account.  Fixing
    this problem is usually as simple as replacing a 50-cent washer.  

    #4 Use fans – By having a slight breeze you can usually turn your AC up a
    degree or two and still be just as comfortable.  It’s a whole lot cheaper to run the
    fan than to run the AC, so use them.

    #5 Turn the computer off – That 300 watt power supply in your computer is still
    drawing power when you’re not using it.  Turn your computer off when you’re
    done with it.  If that’s too much of a hassle, adjust the screen saver settings to put
    your computer in sleep mode when it’s idle.  This is a low power mode that will
    allow you to quickly resume your work where you left off when you’re ready to use
    the computer again.

    #6 Switch to tank less water heater – It amazes me how few people even
    know about the existence of tank less water heaters.  These water heaters do not
    store hot water, but rather heat it instantly whenever it is needed.  The consume
    a mind-boggling amount of energy when in use, but it ends up being much
    cheaper to consume a lot of power during the time you need hot water than a
    little keeping it hot 24/7.

    #7 Change your filters – So you change the filter on your AC/Heating unit every
    spring and fall like you’re suppose to?  Wrong!  Most filters are only rated for 30
    days.  Filters are cheap, so change them frequently.  The efficiency gained in
    heating/cooling your house will make well worth it.


    #8 Take (short) showers instead of baths – Try this one-day.  Pull the plug
    on your tub and take a shower like you normally do.  When you’re all done, look
    at the water level.  It’s probably about a quarter of the way full.  This is how much
    water, and energy heating that water you save by taking a shower instead of a
    bath.  If you can shorten your shower time, even better.

    #9 Cancel extra TV channels – Do you pay $50-150 a month for 500 channels
    but end up just watching the networks? Cancel the extra channels and save some
    cash.  If there’s one show you just HAVE to have on one of these other stations,
    considering paying to download that one show from iTunes or elsewhere instead.

    #10 Have a free energy audit – Many power companies provide energy audits
    free of charge.  They can help you find inefficiencies you may not be able to find
    on your own, and will sometimes even provide you with free compact florescent
    bulbs.  Contact your power company to see if they offer this service.
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