Common Tactics for Lowering Utility Bills

If you use your common sense, you'll most likely think of ways to reduce your utility bills. For example, as I sit here writing this article, I can see a few things that I could do right now to help conserve energy and possibly lower our utility bills. No one is using the kitchen just now, yet I know that the light is on over the sink, as well s the main ceiling light. The light is also on over the kitchen table. I could get up right now and go turn those lights off, and save energy and money. I'm also quite chilly at the moment and have contemplated turning the heat up from the 68 degrees it is set up, to 70 degrees. Instead, I could go find a sweater and put it on, instead of sitting here wearing only a tee shirt and a thin pair of slacks.

While I go find my sweater, here are some things that you might consider doing to help lower your utility bills, and conserve energy:

• Lower your thermostat at night and use extra blankets on your bed. Since most of us sleep at least seven hours at night, lowering our thermostat during that time will lower your heating bill significantly.
• If you plan on leaving your home for the weekend or longer, lower your water heater thermostat to about 80 degrees. That way, your water heater won't heat while you are gone and not using hot water.
• Instead of turning on the air conditioning at the onset of warmer weather, try living without it for at least two weeks. Instead, open all of the windows of the house. At night, place a fan near an open window to draw in cooler air. Use ceiling fans to circulate cooler and warmer air when seasons change.
• To help lower your water bill, install low-flow showerheads and toilets. Take shorter showers and turn the water off while brushing your teeth. Collect rain water in a container and use that water to water your plants.
• Use the microwave as much s possible, instead of heating up the stove or oven.
• Don't use nightlights that remain plugged into an outlet. Instead, use motion sensor night lights that only light when they detect motion.

Now that I'm wearing my sweater, and have turned off the kitchen lights, it's your turn to think of ways to help conserve energy and lower your utility bills.