The past decade or so has seen a tremendous rise in the number of people concerned with their ecological footprint. This trend has appropriately been dubbed the “green movement.” The movement really found its stride in 2008 when the price of oil skyrocketed, and utility bills increased as a result.
With concerns over energy on the rise, many citizens have begun seeking alternative methods to slash their utility bill, in hopes of alleviating some of the financial burden. Some have took a more unorthodox approach by painting their roofs white, while others have contacted their utility company directly to see if there are other ways. Ambit energy, for example, offers a reduction for every new customer referred to them, and if you read the Ambit Energy reviews, I’m sure they don’t have any trouble there.
There are a few other methods that are not as extensive, and can all be done from basically by walking around your home. These methods are:
Conduct a Nightly Energy Audit
Stop what you’re doing right now and take a walk to each room of your home. You might discover a light on in an empty room or perhaps a TV with no audience. It may not seem like much, but even the most disregarded electrical components still consume electricity. To combat these inconspicuous energy thieves, do a nightly energy audit by going from room-to-room, finding any electrical devices that are not being used and, if possible, unplugging them from their outlets. It may seem tedious at first, but the energy savings add up, especially when you consider a conventional light bulb can cost around $20.00 annually, just to run for the night.
Adjust Your Water Heater
Truth be told, a lot of folks don’t even know where there water heater is. However, if you have ever noticed a cylindrical contraption lurking in an empty closet, chances are good that you’re noticing your hot water heater. If the name didn’t give it away already, a hot water heater does just that—heat water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that the average water heater be set to 120 degrees F. A hot water heater operating at 140 degrees F, can come close to $500.00 annually to operate. A hot water heater set to 120 degrees, on the other hand, can not only save you significant funds, but also keep you from accidentally scalding your hand.
Switch to Reusable Filters for Your AC and Furnace
If you’re like me, you often get lazy when it comes to replacing the filters on your heating and air-conditioning systems. If that is the case, then you may want to consider that your HVAC system diminishes in efficiency over time if the filters are not changed. This ultimately results in more energy being consumed and thus, more money being spent. However, buying a reusable air filter can not only improve efficiency, but it is also significantly more convenient. Once the filter becomes dirty and clogged (preferably before that happens), simply remove it from your HVAC system and rinse it off with a hose or in your bathtub.
Article Submitted by Community Writer.
