Subscribe to our Blog
The cost of living continues to rise and incomes can’t seem to keep up. Raising a family on a budget is no easy feat, so it makes sense to cut corners wherever possible. For example, there are ways you can slash your utility expenses each month. You’ll be doing your part to help preserve the environment while putting a little extra cash in your pocket by following these tips:
Cooling and Heating
You can make the biggest dent in your electricity bill by tackling the cooling and heating portion, which represent nearly half of your monthly electric bill. To start, try raising your cooling temperature by just 2 to 3 degrees during the summer and lowering it by 2 to 3 degrees during the winter. You’ll hardly notice the difference yet you’ll potentially save hundreds of dollars per year. To maximize your savings, try opening the windows and using ceiling fans during mild weather.
Conserve Water
It isn’t just your water bill that suffers when you take a shower, run the dishwasher or start a load of laundry. Your electricity is facilitating the process. An electric hot water heater will consume even more energy, causing your electric bill to skyrocket. Try to avoid running the dishwasher and washer/dryer until you have a full load. Turn off the water in the shower while you shave your legs and condition your hair, and avoid filling your bathtub with hot water on a regular basis.
Energy-Efficient Products
One of the fastest ways to save money on your electric bill is by replacing household appliances with energy-efficient products. Energy-efficient refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, ovens, hot water heaters and even televisions can be found at affordable prices at most major retailers. If your budget won’t allow for a new appliance, start with replacing your light bulbs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, changing just one standard light bulb for an Energy Star-rated LED bulb can save $6 per year and $40 over its lifetime. If you change several bulbs a year in your home, the savings could add up to hundreds, even thousands, of dollars.
Find out how creating a more eco-friendly garage in your home could also save you money on your electricity bill.
Sources:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=LB
The Grow-Up® Plan
Watch Video
About the Gerber Baby
Insurance for Families
