In the wake of the Polar Vortex, we hearty Minnesotans are welcoming the sunshine and warm weather with open arms. However, in the face of the ever-increasing temperatures and humidity it is good to have a few tricks in your bag to combat the heat and lower your utility bills. In this post, we will discuss four tips to lower your utility bills.
1. Laundry Tips
The average American family runs about 300 loads of laundry each year according to EnergyStar.gov. That is a lot. A lot of washing, folding and repeating. To save money, we encourage you to run a load only if it is completely full, making it the most efficient way to wash clothes. In addition, try using cold water to wash your clothes and follow it up with hanging your clothes up to dry outside. This is especially practical in the summer months and can lead to fresh and fluffy loads of laundry that smell of summer.
2. AC Tips
Let’s admit it, we will go to great lengths to avoid the heat and humidity in the peak of the summer months. It is all too easy to let sound thinking be swayed by the increasing temperatures. First and foremost, you can save money by simply limiting where you choose to cool your house. Air conditioning services can be expensive so be proactive and close doors and registers. Bottom line: don’t cool unused areas. Another practical tip is to open the windows both early in the morning and later in the evening on hot days. This will allow the cool air to circulate throughout the house.
3. Electrical Tips
This next tip is very practical and straightforward – UNPLUG! When plugged in, every electrical appliance, gadget and gizmo is zapping energy and your utility bill will be slowly creeping up. Even when you think a device is turned off, the power may still be on if it is plugged in. So when you’re finished using it, unplug the toaster, coffee maker and electric razor.
4. Lighting Tips
Invest in quality lighting. Lighting has undergone quite the transformation throughout the years. Today, LED light bulbs are incredibly efficient. According to energy.gov “Quality LED products can last 25 times longer than an incandescent bulb and use 75% less energy.” Ultimately, quality LED light bulbs last longer, are more durable, and offer comparable or better light quality than other types of lighting.” Yes, initially LED is more expensive, however it has been shown that they are most certainly worth the investment.
Putting these tips into practice will lower your monthly utility bills. We encourage you to keep them in mind when doing the “everyday” tasks around your house: changing out a light bulb, running the washing machine or opening up the windows. Remember, every effort can help to make a difference.
If you have any further questions or would like additional tips and tricks from the professionals themselves, feel free to contact Blue Ox the Twin Cities most trusted heating and air conditioning experts.
There are many, many more ways to save money on your utility bills. Do you have any additional tips or strategies for saving on utility bills? If so, please share in the comments below and don’t forget to Like us on Facebook. Happy savings!
