IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS...Small steps can save you big money
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If you’re looking for ways to reduce your household expenses, try these simple steps to cut your spring/summer energy costs. You can find more energy-saving tips at energy.gov.
Block out the sun. Keeping the shades or blinds drawn on sun-facing windows is essential to keeping your home comfortable and your energy costs down when the temperatures start to rise. The exact savings will depend on the type of window covering and how it’s used, but since the Department of Energy estimates about 76 percent of sunlight that falls on a standard double-pane windows enters the home to become heat, covering up some of that sunlight will definitely keep you cooler and result in savings.
Make good use of your ceiling fans. Consistently using your ceiling fan will allow you to raise your thermostat up to four degrees without any reduction in comfort, according to the Department of Energy. Just make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise for summer and that you don’t leave fans running in empty rooms. Fans don’t cool air — just people!
Do Laundry Lite. Washers and dryers are among the costliest household appliances to operate, according to the Department of Energy. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to curb these costs. Whenever possible, wash your clothes with cold water, which can cut a load’s energy use in half. Wash only full loads; your machine will use about the same amount of energy no matter how many clothes are inside, so fill ‘er up. Take advantage of the sun and hang laundry outside to dry instead of using your dryer.
Chill with the grill. As it gets warmer outside, turning on the oven will not only heat up your home, it will make your air conditioner work harder too. Cooking meals on the outdoor grill will keep the heat outside and allow you to enjoy a meal “out” without actually going out. If outdoor dining is not your thing, utilizing your microwave or a slow-cooker will also allow you to
prepare food without generating extra heat.
Avoid exhausting your exhaust fans. Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you’re done cooking or bathing.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your household expenses, try these simple steps to cut your spring/summer energy costs. You can find more energy-saving tips at energy.gov.
