How to Conserve Energy
and Save Money On Monthly Utility Bills

We need so save more energy! In the wake of America's most historic hurricane season, many wonder if the effects of the hurricane devastation will be felt for a long time afterwards.  The effects of the damage are already being experienced at the gas pumps, in the grocery store and other retail facilities.  Some wonder will they experience an increased energy rate as a direct result of these storms.

In many places, the energy per therm rate has already begun to rise.  The American government has already predicted that the cost of natural gas will rise some 20%.  The cost of electricity will rise as well.  So you may ask:  "What can I do to conserve the energy in my home?"  Here are some simple methods that you can take that will in the end, be beneficial and cost effective for your family.

In The Kitchen
Most of us had grandmothers who used to yell at us to shut the fridge door because we were "letting the cold air out."  This is true for refrigerators are use about 20% of your home's electricity.  One way to conserve energy is to adjust the temperature in your refrigerator to five degrees above freezing (around or about 37 degrees).  Setting it at a low temperature will cut down on the amount of juice that is pulled from your electrical main unit.  It is very important to make sure that your refrigerator is sealed TIGHTLY.  Any seeping air will increase the temperature inside and require the unit to pull for more electricity.

In The Laundry Room
When washing your clothes, it is very wise to wash them on a warm or cold setting.  Never wash it in hot unless you absolutely need to.  The reason for this is that the higher the temperature, the more is required from the energy unit.   Make sure that your loads are full when washing.  This holds true for dishwashing too.  If your washer, dryer or dishwasher is equipped with an energy-conserving setting (energy-saver), use this setting at all times.  Never use the "heated drying" setting or any other setting designated for superheating.

The Rest of the Home
Insulating your walls and ceilings will keep heat in during the cold winter months.  There's nothing worse than leaving the room for a few minutes and when you come back it is as cold as the fridge in the kitchen.  Prevent this by insulating your ceilings and walls.  Weather-stripping is an age old energy saving technique.  If you have a fireplace and chimney, call a specialist and have it looked at.  Make sure that your chimney cap is adequate enough to withstand the cold climates.  If not, replace it!  Some traditional families with older homes have even wrapped their windows with plastic.  This may be unattractive, but it cuts down on the amounts of energy lost through unsealed windows.

When you use these methods, you will be on your way to saving and conserving the energy that your home uses up.  Rest assured, in the long run it will be beneficial for both your home and your wallet.

Back to more saving money tips and advice

To teach and learn money skills, personal finance, money management, business, careers, and life skills please go to the Money Instructor home page.