How to Reduce Utility Bills by 50%

With the economy the way that it is and prices skyrocketing, it seems that everyone is looking for ways to save money. Finding ways to lower your utility bills is a good way to start saving. Many of us do not realize how much energy we waste. There are many steps that one can take to lower their bills, and every little bit is a big help.

• Planting a tree or two on the west side of your home will help keep the hottest afternoon sun from raising the temperature in your home, which will in turn mean you will not need the air conditioner on as often. Trees can also block wind from making your home colder in the winter. This will help lower heating bills.


• Move your window air conditioner. If you window unit is in the direct sun, it lowers its efficiency by as much as 10-percent. Move it to another window if possible, or use plants and trees to block some of the sun's heat.


• Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day. This keeps your home's temperature down.


• Avoid doing laundry and cooking when the temperature is at it's highest. Put off chores until early morning or in the evening after the sun goes down.


• Look for air leaks and add insulation. Properly insulating your home will keep more of the heat inside in the winter and more of your cooled air inside in the summer.


• Buy Energy Star rated appliances whenever you shop for new ones.


• Install a programmable thermostat. This helps to avoid wasting heating and cooling energy when there is no one at home to enjoy it.


• Switch your light bulbs from traditional ones to compact fluorescent lights. These may seem more expensive to buy in the beginning but you will more than make up for that with the lower energy costs and the fact that they can last for years without needing to be replaced.


• Set your dishwasher on light wash and no heat for the drying cycle.