For this year’s National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, we are going to give you some tips on how to do just that.
1. Who touched the thermostat?
Ah, the classic dad phrase. Your dad was onto something though… Keep your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer and few degrees colder in the winter to save on your heating/electric bill. Remember to turn off your AC/heating when you leave for a vacation as well! You’ll be surprised how much money you could save.
2. Save some water for the fishes.
Remember to turn off the water when you aren’t using it when washing your hands or brushing your teeth! Even if you pay a flat rate for your water like St. Louis City, saving water doesn’t hurt.
3. Unplugged.
If you aren’t using an appliance, charger, guitar amplifier, etc., unplug it. Some things draw power even when they are “off.”
4. Lights out.
This is a no-brainer, but needs to be said: turn off lights when you aren’t using them! If you are the only one in the house, odds are you only need one room lit up, not the entire floor. Save some money on that electric bill.
5. Procrastinate on laundry.
Okay, don’t wear your clothes until they smell, but hear us out. Wait just a little while longer to do your laundry to save money on washer/dryer energy usage. As long as your wardrobe is big enough to last you a week or so, this will be easy. However, if your co-worker in the cubicle over notices your new chore frequency change, you’re doing it wrong!
6. Give your dryer a break.
When you do your laundry, consider letting your clothes dry on a rack as opposed to using your dryer if possible. You should do this with dress clothes and delicates anyway!
7. Chill with a cold shower.
Forgo the hot shower in the morning with a cold one. Hot water costs money, and we even heard that cold showers might be good for you too!
8. Grill outside more.
Stoves and ovens draw a lot of power as well! In addition, in the summertime, they make your AC run harder because of all the heat generated from cooking appliances and your burnt hot dogs! Let’s be honest, cooking outside is more fun anyway.
