Manage Energy Costs on Your Budget

As fall meanders down into winter we are all faced with rising energy costs. We all have to budget for heat and fuel, more lighting, and extra utility usage. This means that the bills go up, which almost none of us can really afford in this economy. In this guide we will go over seven ways to help manage and budget for the rising energy costs that are coming in the months ahead.

Keep warmer this season by wearing more clothes, and by layering them. Also cover any drafty door or window by putting a towel or blanket down, rolled up to block the draft. You could also cover your windows with inexpensive plastic. They make kits specifically for this and they are available at your local hardware store.

Set your thermostat to 65 degrees when you are home and active in the house. Turn the heat down to 55 degrees when you are out of the house and at night while you are sleeping. Also do this when you are running the dryer or using the oven, as these can add the extra heat lost by turning down the thermostat.

Keep your furnaces running efficiently by making sure the filter is changed twice a year. Partially close off vents to the rooms you do not spend much time in and close vents to rooms you don't use at all during the winter months.

Turn you hot water heater down to 120 degrees and install a low flow shower head. You can pick one up at your local hardware store and it will cut your shower costs in half. You can also cut water costs by doing the dishes by hand and only running the dishwasher when it is necessary and full.

Set up a clothes line or drying racks in your house for drying some of your laundry. This will reduce the amount of usage you get out of your dryer and your humidifier.

Make sure you have compact fluorescent lights in every room or better. Also, get in the habit of turning the lights off every time you leave the room. Even if you turn it back on in a minute, those minutes will add up over the year.

Call your utility company and see if they offer a yearly budget plan. This may not save money but it will help you manage energy costs year round.