Checklist to a Lower Electric Bill

One of the best ways to reduce your electric bill is by using a checklist to make sure you're doing all you can to lower the amount of energy you use. It's a good idea to do an inspection of your home at least twice a year to determine if it's ready for the heat of the summer or the cold winter ahead. When you have a checklist to guide you, it'll be easier to inspect your home. While doing the inspection, look for anything that could be wasting energy.

When you find something, write it down so you can determine what will be the most effective way to take care of the problem after the inspection is complete. Using a checklist will also prevent you from missing something important that could end up costing you extra money.

Here is an energy saving checklist that should be completed at least twice a year that can help you reduce your electric bill:

• Look for cracks around windows and doors that need to be sealed
• Check the insulation in the attic, basement and crawlspaces to look for damage caused by water or rodents
• Take a look at your appliances to see if they are working properly
• Look for leaky pipes and faucets throughout your home that could be wasting water and energy
• Check the sitting on your hot water heater, it shouldn't be above 130 and look for leaks
• Make sure the insulation on your hot water heater and pipes are in good shape

There are also things that you can do on a regular basis that will help you reduce your energy bill. These are simple things that many people do not think about but they can make a big difference in the amount of energy you consume.

Here is a daily checklist to follow:

• Turn off the lights when leaving a room
• Unplug appliances and any electronics that are not being used
• Check your thermostat to make sure it's at the right temperature
• Keep the doors and windows closed tightly when running the air or heat
• In the summer, keep your blinds or curtains closed and in the winter, open them so the sun can add heat to your home
• Check the filters in your heat and air condition unit at least once a month and change when needed
• Clean the dust from around your appliances to prevent them from working harder than necessary

Taking the time to do these inspections will help to ensure your home is energy efficient and this will help you conserve energy and reduce your monthly electric bill.