How to keep utility bills manageable while on lockdown.
We’re all spending a lot more time at home lately. And more time means more utility usage.
Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to make sure you’re saving money where you can, and they’re easy to do. All it takes is being a little proactive.
Large Appliances
A few items that use the most energy in your home are your refrigerator, washer and dryer and dishwasher. Large appliances require more energy to operate, so if you can use them less often or more efficiently, you will save energy.
– Don’t run the dishwasher or the washer and dryer unless you have a full load.
– Hand wash dishes whenever possible, particularly items that take up a large amount of space in the dishwasher. Fill the space with many small dishes instead to maximize use.
– Open dishwasher to air-dry instead of using the heat-dry option.
– Hang-dry all your laundry if you can, or just hang the largest items, such as sheets, blankets, and towels.
Heat & Air Conditioning
The obvious thing here is to adjust your thermostat a few degrees above or below what you would normally choose to save on heating and cooling. But there are also other things you can be doing.
– Use your windows and curtains to your advantage.
– When the weather outside is cooperative, open the windows to let cool, fresh air in.
– Let in more sunlight by opening blinds and curtains when you want the house to be warmer, and close them to block full sunlight when it is too hot.
– Check to make sure nothing is blocking your vents. If furniture is in front of or on top of a vent, you may be wasting a lot of energy heating the underside of your couch instead of your living room.
Hot Water
Heating water for showers, laundry, and dishes also requires a large amount of energy. In addition to using less water, there are ways to save energy while heating up the water before use.
– If you don’t have an energy-efficient water heater, try turning the temperature down whenever possible.
– Can you stand to have the shower slightly less hot?
– Can you wash more of your laundry on the warm or cold cycles?
– You can also add insulation around your water heater and the first 6 feet of hot and cold water pipes.
If you have any other questions about ways to save on your utility bill, don’t give it another thought. Just call your local Louisville or Lexington Dauenhauer, any hour.
