Ways to Save on Energy and Money

The best ways to reduce overall costs is by driving hybrid cars, installing solar panels, and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. The problem is they cost a lot more upfront. Lots of people can not afford to do these things, especially now with the economy so bad. There are other inexpensive ways to cut costs and help the environment. Raising your thermostat during the warm months and lowering it during the cold months can cut energy usage by 3 percent. Do it for eight hours a day while you are away from home. This can save you $300 o $400 over a year. You can install a programmable thermostat and it will do this automatically.

Another way is to start brewing your own coffee. Many people stop at coffee shops and cafeterias almost daily to a $1- $1.35 cup of coffee. Most of these coffees are grown in fields that are sprayed with pesticides. They have usually been cleared by cutting down natural habitats for birds and other small animals. When you brew yourself, you help the wildlife and keep those paper cups out of the landfills. You'll save around $300 a year.

The Department of Energy is trying to convince Americans to change at least one light bulb to a compact florescent bulb or (CFL). They use 75 percent less energy than regular bulbs and last 10 times longer. You will reduce your electric bill by $50 a year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6 percent. Reduce your use of paper products . Excessive paper napkins and cups can be costly over time. Invest in cloth napkins and use glass reusable cups. It will cost you much less to wash and reuse. It can save you up to $150 a year.

You can also make your own cleaning products. Products like baking soda, vinegar, and cream of tartar provide basic ingredients for a good cleaning product. Baking soda is good for the kitchen and bathroom and dissolves easily in water. Vinegar is good for soap scum. It can also be added to your rinse cycle in your washing machine to brighten and soften your clothes.

Unplug your gaming devices and other appliances when not in use. Game consoles can burn a lot of kilowats when plugged in, computers can too. Plant a tree or shrubs around your house. It can add shade which reduces cooling costs quite a bit by the end of the year. Use energy efficient washing machines, it can cut costs and hang your clothes on a clothesline to air dry. It'll give your clothe that fresh outdoor smell.

Slow down on the highway. When you drive at high speeds, you use more fuel. Driving at 65 mph instead of 75 mph can improve fuel economy by 15 percent. This doesn't matter what car you drive. Also, if you keep your tires inflated , it will improve mileage by 3 percent a year. Get regular tune-ups too. Your total savings should be around $250-$300 a year.

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