Consumer Reports recently listed 4 strategies to lower your energy bill by $1,500.  You can read the original article by following this link: Cut Your Energy Bills.

Heating & Cooling - $550 savings

• Eliminate leaks
• Check insulation levels
• Correct ductwork
• Lock double-hung windows to prevent air from escaping
• Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day
• Install a programmable thermostat

We’ve followed the above suggestions.  We also close the blinds during the summer to cut down on air conditioner use.  One of my friends installed a whole-house fan to eliminate his AC use.

Water Consumption - $400 savings

• Stop drips
• Lower the water heater temperature to 120°
• Insulate hot water pipes
• Insulate your water heater
• Don’t pre-rinse dishes
• Install aerators to faucets

You can add “take shorter showers” to save water.  Also, when you run the tub faucet to warm the water, save the cold water for flushing or watering plants instead of letting it run down the drain.

Recycling - $250 savings

• Use RecycleBank on a pay-as-you-go basis
• Return your deposit bottles
• Donate unwanted items for a tax break
• Start a compost bin
• Buy reusable grocery bags

You can usually get credit for your recycled printer ink cartridges.  Staples was offering $3 back per ink cartridge when you buy a new cartridge.

Electricity Use - $300 savings

• Use power strips to shut off “vampire” appliances
• Set your computer to hibernate
• Turn off lights when leaving a room
• Change to CFL bulbs
• Replace old appliances with more energy-efficient models

You could also dine by candlelight if you’re the romantic type.  We have our lights set on timers to reduce energy consumption.  You could use this to see how much juice your appliances are using:

Kill-A-Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

What steps have you taken to cut your energy bill?

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