How To Save $1000 Off Of Your Annual Energy Bill

Is this you every month when you open your utility bill? If so please keep reading as I am sharing here with you a few techniques that will save you big money over the year.

Rising electricity costs can be hard on your bank account, but by combining several cost-savings strategies you can save $1,000* on your home energy bill each year. For the biggest savings consider these ways to reduce heating and cooling costs without sacrificing comfort:

• Add new insulation to your attic. It's especially smart if your house is more than 25 years old. Sometimes the state will subsidize professionally installed insulation and other energy-efficiency improvements. Check with your gas and electric companies to see what subsidies are available and how to qualify. 

          COST: About $750 for an 800 square-foot attic to do it yourself, or $1,500 if you hire a professional.

          SAVINGS: $600 per year

• Seal air leaks around the house. Weather strip your windows and doors by filling gaps and cracks with caulking, and use plastic window insulation kits on older windows. Also, seal gaps from plumbing lines, recessed lighting, and crawl spaces.

          COST: Tube of caulk is $3 to $6 (save by buying multi-packs), and a window-insulation kit is $10 to $20.

          SAVINGS: $350 per year

• Upgrade to a programmable thermostat, which automatically adjusts your home's temperature settings. You can buy a Wi-Fi model ($100 to $200) with more features that lets you remotely control it by using an app.

          COST: $25 to $50 (Check for rebates with your utility provider)
          SAVINGS: $180 per year

• Wash clothes in cold water. Heating water is the single largest expense to run a load of laundry. Also, hot water shrinks and fades your clothes and should be used only when there are major stains.

          COST: Free

            SAVINGS: $130 to $300 per year on water heating costs, depending on the size of your family. 

• Unplug electronics when not in use. Energy “vampires” include TVs, computers, video game consoles, phone chargers (basically anything that “glows”) and account for 5 to 10 percent of household electricity costs even when they're turned off. Save money by unplugging them, shutting them down, or attaching them to a single power strip than can be turned off.

          COST: Free or $10 to $40 for a power strip/surge protector

          SAVINGS: $100 per year

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). While they cost a bit more, CFLs use 75 percent less energy and last at least 6 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs.

          COST: $5 to $15 each (save by buying multi-packs)

          SAVINGS: $75 per year in electricity by replacing your five most frequently used bulbs. Savings potential increases since the average home has 30 light fixtures.

* All products are available at a home improvement store or online. Savings vary depending on home size, climate, electricity rates, etc. and are based on an average annual energy bill of $2,200.

-Chuck Michael -- www.ChucktheRealtor.org

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