Cutting back energy costs during tough economic times: Feature Article

Energy costs are not negotiable costs, and so many people think that when times are tough, and making ends meet is difficult, that this is an area to ignore. It is true you can't pay less for the utilities you use, but you can use fewer utilities to cut back energy costs. Using less energy does not mean you have to live in the dark, never watch television, and only shower once a week. It does mean, however, making a more conscious effort to conserve energy.

The following are some tips for conserving energy in several area, thus cutting back your energy costs to make it easier to make ends meet in hard times:

Water

To save on water expenses you need to recognize that using less does not just save on this energy cost, but on others as well, including heating. Since every penny counts when you are working with a limited budget it is important to recognize the overlap and connections that conserving in one area often leads to conserving in another.

• First and foremost, take quick, cooler showers rather than baths. Even reducing your showers by just a minute or two can really help. Also, turn the temperature down.
• - Turn off the water while brushing teeth. Only use what you need so you are not paying for water that is just running down the drain. This applies to dishwashing as well, and to shaving, or anything else you do that uses water.
• - Install water-saving faucet aerators on sinks you use the most.
• - When washing dishes and laundry be sure to do full loads, so as not to run it more often than you need to. Also, if you can use the short cycle, you do not need extra rinse cycles if you use the right amount of detergent, pretreat, preclean, etc. If you are going to wash smaller loads be sure to adjust the water levels so you aren't washing like it is a full load.
• - Install low flow showerheads and toilet bowls. This can go a long way to using less water while doing the same things. You do not have to use the bathroom less to save water, just use less water each time you use the bathroom. New models of shower heads often deliver a full spray using less than three gallons a minute, and you can pick them up for as little as $5 to $15. They are easy to install so you do not have to use a plumber, and you won't run out of hot water as often, either, which saves in other energy costs.
• - Fix anything that leaks. If you have a leaky faucet it could be costing you. Usually fixing leaks can be done on your own and does not require a plumber. For big leaks, a plumber, even an expensive one will be worth it. Just one drip a second is 20 kilowatts a month. This adds up fast, and is costing you money.
• - Get a front load washer as it uses 1/3 less water.

Electricity and heating

To save on electricity and heating expenses you need to focus on using less. Reducing consumption means cutting back costs.

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• Don't keep refrigerator and freezer on the coldest settings. Your fridge can keep food fresh at higher settings, and will do a better job if you do not open and close the door as often. So, talk to your family about not standing in front of an open fridge.
• - Set the thermostat on your hot water heater to a lower temperature. You can get clean dishes and clothes without having your water at scalding heats, so check with your user guide to see what it recommends, but don't have it all the way up. Lowering it only 10 degrees can save you 25 kilowatt hours a month. Do not go below 120 degrees.
• - Keep the thermostat at a less expensive setting. For example, in winter, turn your heating thermostat down a degree or two and wearing warmer clothing or using blankets can save you a lot of money; in summer, turn it up and open the windows when it's comfortable to do so. Also, never run the AC or heater at night. Instead use blankets, fans, and windows to regulate temperature.
• - Insulate your water heater. An insulation blanket costs only about $10 and quickly pays for itself as it will take less energy to heat the water and keep it warm.
• - If you are going to be gone all day, adjust the thermostat a few degrees so you are not paying to cool it too much or heat it too much when you are not home.
• - Keep windows and outside doors shut when using heating and cooling systems. Also be sure that the caulking and seals are good so that you are not heating or cooling the great outdoors. It is very inexpensive to replace seals, and can save a lot in utilities.
• - Turn off lights, televisions, stereos, computers, and other electrical items when they're not being used. Unplug them. It takes energy to light the indicator lights, and it is totally unnecessary. You can use a power cord with an on/off switch to make this easier.
• - Limit TV, video games, and computer time. These are use lots of energy, and if you have them on all day you are going to be spending those hard earned pennies on nothing. When finances are tight, this is waste you can't afford.
• - Get a home energy audit every couple of years with your power company to find ways to cut costs. They will come in for free or for a reasonable cost and evaluate specific things you can do in your home to help reduce the cost of energy. It is totally worth it to listen to their suggestions.
• - Consider installing energy efficient equipment. It will take years to off-set the cost of replacing items that do not need replacing, but if you need a new appliance, window, etc. use energy saving ones and you will save. You may also want to check with your utility company for rebates on these appliances, you can often get paid to install appliances that use less energy.
• - Add more energy-efficient insulation to your attic, with the appropriate R-value, or resistance to heat flow, for your climate and the type of heating in your house. Having sufficient insulation will mean that you do not have to run your furnace or air conditioner as much for the same results.
• - Consider buying a programmable thermostat, especially if your home is vacant most of the day. That way you can set temperatures to adjust according to your needs. For example, it can be off at night, and start heating before the family gets up in the morning.
• - Invest in weather-stripping kits if you've got drafty doors. These kits are usually less than $10, and you can recoup that money in a single month.
• - Even though soon you won't have any other option, it is a good idea to trade your standard candescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs. They are more energy-efficient, last for years instead of months, consume little power and generate little heat, which reduces air conditioning costs.
• - If you want to keep electronics plugged in when not in use, make sure they are turned to energy saving or sleep modes so that they do not use as much energy.
• - Look carefully around plumbing pipes, telephone wires, dryer vents, sink and bathtub drains and under countertops for any sort of holes or cracks, and caulk them so that you are not wasting energy.
• - Consider insulating water pipes so that hot water stays hot longer and does not require as much energy to heat.
• - If your power company offers it, then be sure to participate in any special energy-saving program. Some programs shut down electric appliances for short bursts of time during peak hours. You hardly notice the difference -- except in your bill.
• - Look for "Energy Star" stickers when you buy stuff for your house.
• - If you are going to replace your washer, consider a front-loading washing machine. They use 50 percent less energy and one-third less water. They remove more water in the rinse cycle as well so you do not have to dry as long, which saves a lot of energy.
• - If building or re-roofing use light-colored roofs, such as white, galvanized metal or cement tile, as they do the best job of reflecting the sun, and cool quickly at night.
• - You can also use landscaping to lower energy bills by using trees that provide shade by windows, and hedges etc. to block winds.

There are many more ways to cut back energy costs during tough economic times. When money is tight, every penny you save is going to be able to be used for something else, so focus on following the above tips to make your utility costs lower.