Lower Energy Bills to Improve Household Finances

Energy Conservation Tips to help Save Money in the Family Budget

© Melanie Mulrooney

Oct 16, 2009

Many families are looking to improve household finances and cut expenses in the family budget. This desire for reduced costs, combined with a growing movement toward green living and energy conservation, means that energy savings is an increasingly important topic for many people.

The following energy conservation tips outline ways to reduce energy costs and help families save money. Examples of savings are estimates only, based on calculations provided by powerWISE.ca.

Energy Savings for the Den or Home Office

• Turn off the computer monitor when not in use. This can save up to 60% of energy usage. Approximate annual savings: $12
• When it comes time for a replacement, consider an Energy Star computer for a potential energy savings of up to 70%.
• Install Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs, which last 10 times longer and use a quarter of the electricity of a comparable incandescent bulb. This can result in a savings of up to 75%. Approximate annual savings: $12
• Use a power bar for computers and electronics and turn the switch off when not in use. This will cut back on energy leaks, as an appliance will continue to use a small amount of electricity when plugged in, even if powered off.

Save Money on Electricity Costs in the Kitchen

• Opt for smaller appliances such as microwaves and toaster ovens rather than using the stove. This can result in up to 75% energy savings. Approximate annual savings: $13
• Use a lid over a hot pan to make stove burners more efficient and reduce cooking time.
• Limit the amount of time spent preheating an oven and cook foods that require the same oven temperature together.
• Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator rather than using a microwave or increasing cooking time.
• Set the temperature of the refrigerator to mid-range and avoid leaving the door open for long periods, which will allow the cool air to escape.
• Clean out the refrigerator to increases air circulation and provide a more energy efficient environment.
• Use an electric kettle rather than boiling water on the stove and achieve a 50% reduction in energy consumption. Approximate annual savings: $9
• Air-dry dishes in the dishwasher to reduce energy consumption.

Reduce Energy Costs in the Bathroom

• Fix leaky faucets promptly and save litres of hot water. Approximate annual savings: $20
• Use energy efficient shower heads and take quick showers rather than baths. This can cut down hot water usage by 37 litres. Approximate annual savings: $70
• Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms, reducing unnecessary power usage.

Increase Energy Savings for Heating

• Turn down the thermostat and wear additional layers of clothing rather than over-heating a space.
• Place the thermostat on a timer to automatically reduce the temperature overnight and during hours when the family will be away from home.
• Heat only the rooms that are in use and keep the doors closed on rooms that are unheated.
• Turn off kitchen and bath ventilating fans after they have done their job so as not to blow heated/cooled air out of the home.

Every penny saved through home energy conservation can help to lower energy bills and improve household finances. Following some of these simple conservation tips can greatly help a family budget, and assist the environment.

Reduce Energy Costs in the Home

Cut Expenses to Save Money in the Family Budget

Lower Energy Bills and Save Money

Energy Conservation Tips Reduce Electricity Costs

Improve Home Finances With Energy Savings

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