Helping to Lower the Utility Bill

 Hello all.  One week from today we all (in US) celebrate Thanksgiving.  Goodness, the time has just flown by. It is a very overcast and cloudy day here.  Feels damp out, as we had fog and just a tad of mist.  It sure is muddy out now!  Looks to stay close in temp all day, to what it is right now - upper 40's.

I did go out and ran a few errands yesterday and had a very nice day.  Nothing but sweet and kind people.

As winter approaches and the temps are falling, and utility prices are rising - it is time to think about a few ways to help yourself and perhaps get the bills a bit lower.

• Try lowering the temperature on the water heater.  Most people keep it about 140* - but 120* is plenty hot
• Use cold water washes when possible
• Try air drying laundry and just fluffing.  Or dry for a lesser amount of time
• If using a dishwasher - open after wash and let items air dry.  It also allows humidity back into the house
• Unplug things that are not in use.  TV's in rooms not used, chargers - only plug in when needed, etc.  The only small appliance I keep plugged in, in the kitchen is the microwave, as the plug is very hard to get to. Nothing else in the kitchen (other than major appliances) stays plugged in.  TV's and chargers today, are actually pulling electricity even when OFF - as they are never really off
• Ceiling fans - have them on a low speed going clockwise.  That pushes the heat from the ceiling down into your room
• Turn down the thermostat.  Lower a couple degrees at a time, until you get used to lower temps
• Set your freezer to 0* - that is the optimum temp.
• On sunny days, keep blinds or curtains open to allow the sun to naturally warm your home
• Keep furnace filters clean
• Insulate everything you can.  Make sure your walls and attic space is insulated.  Insulate around windows and doors and even light switches.  Fix all leaks - around doors and such.  Even using a draft dodger at the door bottom helps a lot.  You can easily make one.
• Use your oven wisely.  It draws a lot of energy.  Think about using air fryer, toaster oven, or crockpots
• If you use the oven, when done and you turn it off - leave the oven door cracked open a bit to release the heat into the house.  **Watch out for children and pets
• Use LED light bulbs - they use way less electricity - like 80% less!
• Dress in layers - you can take things off if you get too warm.  Enables you to be able to keep the thermostat down.  You can layer bedding as well.
• Don't over fill the refrigerator!! If you tend to cram things in - it has to use more electricity to stay cool
• Thinking about using heavy or thermal curtains.  You can also use those films over your windows to keep out air
• Drink warm things - tea, coffee, hot chocolate
• Turn off lights in rooms you are not in!
• Take shorter showers - the water heater will work less.

Oh gosh, I am sure there are dozens of more things that you can do.  Every little thing helps.  I know our electric company has really raised its rates, and I have read that is happening elsewhere as well.

Do all the little things - they add up.  We all need to participate to keep our bills lower.

I have what is called a budget plan - I pay the same amount every month of the year - but even that increased this fall.  I want my usage to be lower, so I will continue to do all I can to can do.

Do you have any tips that I didn't mention to help?  Let us know.

May you all have a lovely day and weekend.  

Spread cheer and joy!