Small Changes Can Add Up to Big Savings
Everyone loves to save money especially if it’s done with a few easy steps. Electricity bills can add up quickly in your home, but by making a few small changes can lower those bills and save money for other things in your monthly budget.
Easy To Do Steps to Lower Your Electricity Bill
Home Heating
Heating your home uses the most energy, but can offer up the best ways to save money.
Keep your heating system tuned up and inspected. A poorly maintained heating system adds up overtime. Get your heating system inspected by a professional to ensure you’re not wasting energy and money.
Check the furnace filter. When a filter is dirty, they use more energy. Replace the filter when needed and follow the instructions in your furnace manual. Usually every couple of months.
Don’t block heat registers or return ducts.
Home Cooling
Invest in an air conditioner that has a high energy efficient rating (EER). A unit with an EER of 10 will save you twice as much as an EER of 5 would to operate.
Keep the filter clean. Again, the dirtier the filter, the harder it has to work.
Keep your temperature consistent. Instead of constantly changing your thermostat up and down, pick a temperature and stick to it.
Appliances
Insulate your water heater. Your water heater and refrigerator can be prime energy suckers. By insulating your water heater, you could have a great return on savings.
Hang dry more of your clothes. This can save on energy, plus keep your clothes in better condition.
Not using an appliance? Unplug it. Keeping an appliance plugged in uses energy, so if you’re not using an appliance or even a phone charger, unplug it.
Always do a full load. This goes for the dish washer and washing machine. Focus on doing full loads vs. partial loads.
Clean the drain weekly. Unclog the drain of food particles and clean it weekly to keep your dish washer running efficiently.
Keep the thermostat at a specific temperature. The refrigerator is best at 38 to 42 degrees, while the freezer is best at 0 to 5 degrees.
Other Tips
Turn off the lights. This is a simple one! If you’re not in a room, turn the lights off.
Change your light bulbs. More and more people are doing this, but energy efficient light bulbs will help you save money on your energy bill. Plus, they last much longer! Dimmer light switches can be a great addition to your home and use less energy while you enjoy your preference of lighting in a room.
Utilize power strips. Many computers, televisions and other electronics use power when they are off. Plug these devices into a power strip and when you’re not using them, simply hit the power switch button to turn them off.
While we can’t lower your energy bill for you, we can help you find ways to lower your insurance. The Insurance Group was formed to provide you with one-on-one attention for all of your insurance requests in the Treasure Valley. Visit us or call one of our convenient locations in Weiser, Fruitland, Emmett, Cascade or Ontario for auto, home, farm & ranch or business insurance. Our insurance website is open 24/7 to serve you and you can request an insurance quote right through the site. We look forward to serving you!
