ThriftyChick

Utilities can get very expensive, especially when weather is at its extremes.  Fortunately, there are a lot of simple ways you can reduce your energy bills and save a lot of money!

When doing laundry, try to adhere to the following:

• Only do laundry when you have a full load.
• Try to buy clothing that is permanent press or wrinkle-free.  (You’d be surprised how much energy your iron sucks up!)  For the best results, remove garments from the dryer promptly.
• Put up a clothesline if you don’t have one already, and when weather permits, hang your clothes to dry!
• Don’t leave your clothes in the dryer any longer than necessary.

When you’re in the kitchen, remember these energy-saving tips:

• Choose the right burner size.  Putting a small pan on a large burner means wasting all of that heat rising off of the exposed portion of burner!
• Unless you are cooking something that specifically requires the pan to be left uncovered, put a lid on it.  It will heat quicker, so you will use less energy (and eat sooner).
• If you have more than one item that needs to go in the oven, try to bake them together whenever possible.  And avoid the temptation to keep opening the oven door to check on your creations!
• Make sure all foods are completely thawed before cooking them.

When it comes time to kick on the air conditioner or the furnace, don’t forget:

• In cold weather, open your curtains during the part of the day when the sun shines directly in the windows.  Close them once the sunlight is gone, as your curtains add a layer of insualtion to the window!  In hot weather, do the opposite; keep the curtains drawn during the part of the day that the sun shines in to keep things shady and cool.
• In the winter, wear layers.  Several light layers will keep you warmer than one heavy layer.  In summer, try to dress in light colored clothing to stay cooler.
• In cold weather, remember to turn your thermostat down to 60 degrees Fahrenheit when you are out and at night.  In hot weather, turn your thermostat up to 78 or 80.
• Make sure nothing is blocking any of your vents!
• If there are rooms in your house that aren’t used or are used infrequently, keep them closed off when temperatures are extreme.
• If you have a fireplace, check to be sure that the damper is shut when not in use.

When you’re loading up your refrigerator or freezer, remember these tips:

• Avoid overloading your fridge or freezer.
• If you are putting something hot in the fridge, let it cool down partially first.
• Try to avoid holding the door open.  Know what you want before you open the door.
• Keep your freezer defrosted.

And of course, always remember to turn the lights off when you leave the room!  (And it also helps to use compact florescent light bulbs, and unplug as many appliances and electronic items as you can when not in use!)

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