Your Budget - Utilities Bill Savings

Being green and saving energy is something we all need to do. You can also save money on your budget by doing some some of these simple and inexpensive things.

Electric/Gas Bills

An easy way to lower your heating and cooling bills is to buy a humidifier. With a humidifier you can lower your thermostat 2-3 degree in the winter, or raise it that much in the summer and your house will still feel the same temperature. We will skip the scientific explanation behind this. Every degree you turn your thermostat down translates into 2-4% savings on your bill.

Another energy saving measure is to buy a programmable thermostat. Changing your thermostat down 3-6 degrees at night, and 5-8 degrees while you are out of the house can make a big difference in your bill. A programmable thermostat will cost you about $50.00.

...And remember to turn the light out when you leave the room.

Water Bill

Installing aerators on all your fixtures can cut your water bill in half. It will also cut your heating bills as well. This is one of the easiest and least expensive means you can do to cut utilities.

If you live in an older home that has not been updated in a while you probably do not have aerators.

A decent faucet aerator will cost you $5.00 and up. Plan on spending $8.00 and up for a shower head aerator. If your water bill does not immediately drop it may be because they do not read the meter every month. Some utility companies still base your bill by estimating the meter. Do not worry, the savings will catch up and kick in. You can even call the water utility, tell them what you did and request that they come read the meter.

Another water saving tip is to buy a rain barrel for outdoors for your garden. You can use the water that collects in it to water your garden during dry spells. Click here for more details on rain barrels.

Other energy saving tips - Inexpensive

Find air leaks and caulk around your windows
Find and prevent air leaks around your doors
Have your chimney swept
Have your furnance inspected and tuned
Stop leaks through your wall outlets

Especially in older homes air leaks can be a huge drain on your energy bill.

Other energy saving tips - Moderate to expensive

Insulate your attic and crawl spaces
Install double pane windows (this will add to value of your home)

You can also take some pride in being "green" by implementing these ideas. This is in many ways more important the money you are saving.

Heating Oil Bill

Shop around. You can sometimes save up to .40 cents a gallon by calling around.

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