The weather can be unpredictable. While it might be sunny and bright one day, the next, a blizzard might have set in and sometimes, keeping on top of the state of the sky can feel like having a full time job. When it comes to changeable seasons, heating your home is often a real challenge and with so much change in the air, you might find your bill significantly higher than normal by the end of the season. If you’re struggling to juggle your costs, however, there are a few easy and practical tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine in order to keep things under control. The weather might rule the skies but in your home, you’re the boss.
- BLOCK OUT THE RAYS
If your home is overheating on a hot day, you might be tempted to turn to your air conditioning unit. Rather than racking up huge costs, however, you can try moderating the temperature of your home by closing curtains and blinds against harsh sun rays. Not only will your room feel cooler but also, you will have to use significantly less electricity to take control of the temperature.
- CHECK YOUR SYSTEMS
When was the last time that you actually checked your electricity systems? Letting things run for too long unchecked might be causing huge costs to rack up on your monthly bill and simply by checking in on your electricity systems from time to time, you can save huge amounts of money. Make sure your systems are annually checked and cleaned so they can work to their best ability; without regular care, they might start to become inefficient.
- CHANGE THE DIAL
While keeping your thermostat at a steady temperature is a good way of heating your house without all the extra hassle, it might actually be costing you a great deal of money. While you’re not at home, make sure you change your thermometer settings so that your heating or cooling system doesn’t kick in as readily. Similarly, you can try buying a heating timer to automatically change the temperature of your home. Your rooms can be the perfect temperature and you can save money.
- REPLACE YOUR LIGHT BULBS
Choosing fluorescent light bulbs over the standard equivalent might cost you money at first but over time, it can save you a great deal. Fluorescent incandescent bulbs can last for the same amount of time as between 6 and 10 regular light bulbs, meaning you can get the same kind of lighting for a much longer period of time.
- REPLACE YOUR APPLIANCES
The older an appliance becomes, the more energy it guzzles up each and every time that you use it, you could be racking up unnecessary costs. In order to keep your electricity bill in check, get rid of any appliances that are between 10 and 15 years old; they are simply too old to be efficient anymore. Instead, try choosing a modern equivalent that complies to Energy Star efficiency; at 10 to 20 percent cheaper to run than other products, they will save you your pennies down the line.