Save Money on your Electric Bill

You don't have to spend thousands of dollars on solar paneling to save money on your electric bill every month. It would be great to be able to afford this energy saving addition to your home but many people just do not have the money to invest.

Here are some simple things you can do to save energy and lower your electrical bill:

• Whenever possible, buy EnergyStar appliances and fixtures. EnergyStart meets the EPA's energy conservation standards and appliances that have this seal use less power.
• Unplug unused appliances. By pulling the plug on your computer and other electrical devices and kitchen appliances when you are not using them, you save energy and money.
• Replace your incandescent lightbulbs with high efficiency bulbs.
• Lower your heat pump and heater thermostat by just a few degrees.
• Spend $25- $75 on a programmable thermostat, which you can set to turn on an hour before you get home. It will save you hundreds on your electric bill.
• Use weatherstipping on your doors and windows to prevent heat or air-conditioning from escaping your home.
• Turn off the t.v. or lights when you're not using them.
• Take shorter showers.
• Only run your washer and dishwashers when they are full.
• If you can afford to, install solar panels. It's a great investment in your home and will save you money every month.
• Open windows in the warm weather to save on your air-conditioning. On hot days where the mornings are cooler, leave your windows open to cool your home before the outside temperature rises.
• In the winter, use electric blankets instead of running the heater whenever you can.
• Replace energy-draining old appliances.
• Close off vents in rooms that you will not be in.
• Insulate your pipes in the winter and caulk your windows.
• Clean your AC condensor unit.