Cut Energy Bills

With winter fast approaching many of us are wondering how we can cut energy bills.  It's really not that hard to do, it won't cost you much in terms of time or money yet the savings can be substantial.

Here are some easy things you can so right now to help you save all winter, and all year long:

1. Insulate.  Add insulation wherever it isn't up to the proper 'R' value.  First check your attic, but don't stop there.  You can get an insulated blanket for your hot water heater, your pipes, and for behind your switch plates.

2. Close the gaps and cracks.  Check to see if you have any cracks in your foundation, check around the spots where pipes and other utilities come into your house, as well as around windows and doors.

To fill these gaps you can use caulk, or expandable foam.  No matter what you use just make sure that you seal up any places where your hot air can escape,so you don't have to pay for your furnace to keep heating the air.

3. Make sure to turn the temperature down in your home when you're not there or when you're sleeping.  That can save a lot of money.  To make it even easier you can add a programmable thermostat. That way you set the time you want to the temperature to be lowered or raised

You can then come home to a nice warm house every day and not pay more than necessary to get it that way.

4. Consider generating your own electricity.  This isn't as crazy as it may sound.  As a matter of fact, it's cheap and easy to do.  You can either build a wind turbine or solar panels.  Both are easy and inexpensive yet they can help you save around 80% on your utility bills

There you go, plenty of projects to keep you busy this weekend! But if you invest some time now you can cut energy bills not only this winter but all year long.