Saving Money On Your Utility Bills

Many don't realize that our basic utility bills provide the perfect money saving opportunity for practically every household!

We sometimes lose sight of the fact that all the water, gas and electricity that we use, comes back to us at the end of the month in the form of a bill.

Read over the tips below and see if you can't change a few habits to help save a nice pocketful. You might be surprised to learn that saving $1200 or more a year can easily be attained just by following a few energy saving tips.

Water

• Check to make sure none of the faucets & spickets in your household are leaking/dripping. A slow dripping faucet can accumulate over two gallons per hour.
  
• When watering the garden, set a schedule and try to water in the early morning hours to help minimize evaporation (between 6am-8am)
  
• Leave the faucet OFF when you are brushing your teeth or shaving. Only turn it on when needed.

Gas

• During winter months, light a fire for warmth instead of using the central heating unit. Wood is still cheaper than gas.
  
• Wear seasonal appropriate clothing around the house. Get used to wearing sweaters and pants during winter months. You'll find that you won't need to turn the heat up as high.
  
• Lower the temperature on your gas water heater. You really don't need water heated up to 180 degrees. Lower it a bit and save.

Electricity

• Get in the habit of turning off ALL lights and appliances that are not being used. You'll be surprised at how quickly the energy savings will add up.
  
• TURN THE TV OFF! Did you know that leaving the television on is the number one electricity waster in the world? When everyone is finished watching television, especially before going to sleep, turn it off.
  
• Replace all "non-reading" lights with lower wattage light bulbs.

Phone

• Compare the prices of various long distance providers and ask the representative which plan provides you the greatest savings based on your calling history. With all the long distance companies on the market, don't be afraid to change to one that's more appropriate for you.
  
• Get used to email and the Internet! It costs little to nothing to use, and now with instant chatting services like Yahoo Messenger, here's the perfect money saving opportunity.

General

• Install ceiling fans throughout the house. You can then start to decrease A/C usage and during winter months, the fans will help circulate warm air throughout the house.
  
• Insulate! Insulate! Insulate! our number one money saving tip! Check the weather stripping around doors and windows. Caulk or foam insulate any place where outside air has a chance to get in. Don't forget to insulate your attic floor with either "roll" or "loose-fill" insulation.
  
• Long Term - Plant tall shrubs and brushes. Not only will this beautify your property, but also shade your home causing less need for the A/C in summer months and help block out harsh winds in colder months.

Have A Family? Make A Game

If you have a family, turn this utility saving exercise into a GAME! Make some type of 'agreement' with all the family members where the savings accumulated each month will be put into a 'savings jar'. Then after six months or a years time, a nice vacation can be arranged.

Sit down with everyone when the bills come and compare the savings from month to month. Not only can this be an educational experience for your children, but it's the perfect opportunity to get the whole family involved working towards a goal.

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