Five Simple Ways to Cut Down on Your Energy Bill

In today's economy jobs are becoming harder to find and that means money becomes tighter. Finding every way you can to save money is essential right now. I have compiled a couple ways to save money on your next electricity bill and the good news is - you don't have to do very much!

Kick out the desktop and bring in a laptop:

It's true - desktops are big energy hogs. Changing out your current desktop with a laptop cuts down on 3/4 off electrical usage. There are also more than just one bright side to using a laptop (other than cutting down on the amount of energy your computer system pulls), having a laptop will enable you the ability to leave home with your computer, use a battery supply time-to-time, and give you more desk space while still offering the same as your desktop.

Shut them off and bring out the motion sensors!:

It is estimated that just by shutting off your lights when you leave an area of the house and go to another room, you will save cut your lighting energy use by more than 40% (that's a lot!). Other lighting options you should keep in mind while lighting the outside of your house: think about getting solar powered garden lamps instead of plug in lamps (let the lamps charge by sun during the day and blaze bright at night); switch out your everyday spotlight with a motion sensitive spotlight (this will allow the light to only turn on when it detects movement instead of eating up your energy and making your energy bill grow big and fat over night).

Cold is hot:

When washing your clothes, simply turn the dial to cold instead of hot or warm; that's it! Washing your clothes in cold water will save you over 70% of energy used during your loads (this adds up to saving you at least $50 a year).

Plug it in, un-plug it, and turn it off:

Make sure to un-plug unnecessary items at night, such as a toaster oven (items like this are not needed at night when you're in bed, so why have them plugged in?). Un-plugging items at night will not only save you a little on the energy bill but it will also help cut down on the risk of fire. Also make sure to shut the TV off at night and turn off your computer.

Get some gas:

Yeah, I know that sounds just a tad weird but it's true. Instead of using an electric water heater, stove, dryer, etc. try switching over to gas powered appliances. This will cut down dramatically on your energy bill. Also, in the summer, try hanging your clothes outside to dry on a line instead of drying them in the drying (you will cut down on energy and get a nice clean smell).