Due to the coronavirus pandemic, students and employees are now staying at home and practicing social distancing. With this, more people are using computers and tablets, turning on lights, and adjusting the thermostat. If you don’t practice some steps, you will find yourself with a huge amount of utility bills to pay. As such, here are some easy steps that you can try to keep your utility bill to a minimum:
Unplug Devices that you Don’t Use
Even if you don’t use the device, when it is still plugged, it will constantly draw power. For every device, the wattage they use might not amount to too much. But when combined, these dormant appliances can amount to around 10% of the total energy bill.
As such, it is best to turn off and unplug the devices that you are not using. When you are done charging your devices, see to it that you unplug the charger. Check with the utility connection service in your area for tips on how to save on energy bills.
Invest in Attic Insulation
According to experts, half of the energy that people use inside our homes is spent on heating and cooling. The attic is where the home’s heat escapes. Heat rises and some homes don’t have the required insulation to keep the heat from getting out. Thus, it floats.
It is also recommended to try fiberglass insulation. It is cheap and cost-effective. You can even install it by yourself. When you effectively insulate your home, you can save up to 20% on your energy bill.
Invest in Blackout Curtains
It is also recommended to invest in blackout curtains. This will block out the noise and light while preventing warm or cool air from escaping. With this, it will allow you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher or lower than what you usually do.
Unless you’re a night owl, then there’s no need to try this for every window at your home. Do this if you get the most sunshine throughout the day.
Wash your Clothes in Cold Water
Laundry detergent can clean slightly dirty clothes with the use of cold water. You can switch to washing in cold water unless you have soiled garments. With this, it will save you the cost of hot water for every laundry load. This can be as much as 50% per load, depending on the local energy costs and the size of your washing machine. Check with the utility connection service in your area for tips on how to save on energy bills.
Switch to Energy Star Appliances
When buying appliances, opt for products with an Energy Star label. This tells you that the product is energy efficient and has passed strict standards.
According to experts, appliances with Energy Star labels can help cut the bill by 30%. However, bear in mind that you don’t have to replace every appliance that you have to gain savings. For example, you can start replacing your eight-year-old refrigerator to help you save on electricity.
If you are not sure what to do with your old appliance, then you can recycle it. Don’t resell it to other homeowners because you are only passing the burden to someone else. Check with your company for programs about appliance recycling.
Author Bio:
Jessica Ellen is a writer and blogger. She is very passionate about her writing. She always wants to make her readers satisfied through her expressive writing. She has been giving her contribution to high-authority blogs by sharing her experience and ideas.
