The summer is here and energy bills are at their lowest point in the year. However, the reduction is only temporary and will, for most, start to make an unwelcome retreat as soon as the first autumn chills arrive. It can be tricky to make the transition between the warmest and coldest parts of the year, because the human body reacts almost instantly to changes in its environment.
This is why you will likely find yourself turning to your central heating system as the summer comes to an end. While indoor heating is essential, it drives energy bills upwards and costs homeowners thousands of dollars every year. If you would like to lower your energy costs this winter, use this handy guide to keeping energy bills small to help you save some money.
Switch suppliers regularly
In the same way that car insurance providers do not always reward loyalty, energy providers too can get a little stubborn when it comes to giving long-time customers the best deals. If you have not switched your supplier within the last three years, you could probably save a significant amount by jumping ship and finding a better rate.
Turn the thermostat down
This can seem like a difficult move, especially during cold winters, but turning the thermostat down by just one degree can slash your energy bills by as much as $140 every year. If you have to, turn the heating on (but a little lower than preferred), and then put on a jumper. You will be glad of the change when you get your next bill through the mail.
Install designer shutters
For the most part, investing money in positive home improvements is guaranteed to have a dramatic effect on the overall efficiency of your property. For example, if you invest in loft insulation or have designer shutters installed, you quickly start to realize how these features end up paying for themselves after a few years. At the Shutter Store, there are hundreds of different colors, styles, and varieties on offer, so it should not be difficult to find features that perfectly match your home.
Buy energy efficient bulbs
It is true what they say about energy efficient light bulbs – they can save you a significant amount of money over the course of a year. In fact, the simple act of replacing standard bulbs with energy efficient ones is enough to save you over $100. Plus, these environmentally friendly bulbs have a longer lifespan than standard ones, so you will not have to constantly replace them. The best way to really inflate these savings is to, of course, turn lights off when rooms are not in use.
The discussions around how to lower your energy bills might not be the most exciting topic in the world, but they are rather important. While the recession may officially be over, many households are still feeling the pinch, and this is a great way to make sure that yours has a little extra cash leftover at the end of every month.
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