Cut Energy Costs with Thermostats and Hot Water Consumption

Whether in the dead heat of summer or the desolate freeze of winter, there are ways you can save money on your energy bill. With the energy crisis growing more and more severe everyday, you will have to make long term adjustments to the way you use energy. Here are a few simple ways you can start today.

Save Energy by Adjusting Your Thermostats.

Water Heater - Set your water heater for 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If your water scolds you while taking a shower, you are wasting energy and money by heating water more than needed. Also, buy an insulation blanket for your water heater. You can find these at a low price in any home or hardware store.

Air Conditioning and Heating - To reduce energy consumption, raise your thermostat to the highest temperature that is comfortable for you and your family in the summer time. In the winter lower your thermostat to the lowest temperature comfortable.

Refrigerator - Often, many people waste energy because their refrigerator is too cold. If your have food or drinks that freeze on the surface in your fridge, you are wasting money by keeping your refrigerator too cold. Set your fridge to 38 - 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Save Energy by Reducing Your Hot Water Consumption

Dishwashers - Be sure to run full loads as much as possible to avoid having to run the dishwasher extra times per month. Make it a habit to rinse your dishes in the sink to prevent food particles from drying. Also, run the shortest wash cycle if possible. You will be saving energy by using less hot water.

Laundry - Do not use the hot water setting of your washer if you do not have to. Most loads of laundry will be cleaned at the warm or cold water settings. Set your rinse cycle to cold water, also. Be sure to wash full loads of laundry to avoid having to run the washer extra times during the month.

Showers - First of all, buy a water-saving shower head for all your showers. This will cut overall water consumption per shower by half. If you can tolerate less water pressure from your shower head, then lower the pressure. This will save you gallons of hot water.

Faucets - Turn off your water faucet in the cold position. Not many people know that when you turn off your water faucet in the hot position, it causes water to be heated in preparation for the next time the water is turned on.

Whether you are conserving energy in an effort to save the planet or to save money on your energy bill, combining these simple tips will get you there. Be sure to pay attention to your thermostat settings and hot water usage throughout the entire year. These small changes in your energy consumption will reflect nicely on your energy bill and save you money every month.