Top Ten Tips for a Lower Electric Bill

Winter weather can make it tempting to crank the heat and spend more time indoors. Below, find our top tips for cutting down on energy costs, while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions.

Unplug: Look around the room for a quick minute. How many appliances are unnecessarily charging or plugged in? Did you know that you can actually over-charge electronics? Get in the habit of unplugging small appliances and electronics when they are not in use.

1. Power down: Do you have a tendency to leave your computer running at all hours of the day? Putting electronics in “sleep” mode or powering down when you’re not using them is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint.
2. Get outdoors: It’s cold. We know. There are still plenty of ways to get outdoors and get active during the winter months! Consider picking up a winter sport or activity, such as skiing or ice-skating, and you’ll be less tempted to sit in front of the TV or computer all day long (a huge waste of energy)! Your body will thank you, and so will the planet!
3. Turn off the lights: We know you remember getting scolded by your parents for leaving the bedroom lights on as a child. As an adult, there’s no excuse! Be sure to turn off lights in unoccupied rooms and when you leave the house. In the daytime, try to utilize natural light as much as possible.  After all, a dose of Vitamin D can do the body (and mind) a world of good!
4. Clean/replace the air filters in your home: Clean air filters mean that your heating/cooling systems work more efficiently. Ideally, your air filters should be changed every few months.
5. Keep doors and windows closed: Keep that cold air where it belongs – outside. Be sure your windows and doors are closed as much as possible, as well asadequately sealed.
6. Invest in energy efficient appliances: Let’s face it: you’ve been looking for an excuse to re-do the kitchen, anyway!
7. Keep the thermostat at an eco-friendly level: Challenge yourself and your family to keep the thermostat set no lower than 78 degrees in the summertime and no higher than 68 degrees in winter.
8. Switch out your light bulbs: Energy-efficient light bulbs do make a difference! Did you know that Energy Star light bulbs use about 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and last at least 6 times longer? This has the effect of drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Let’s all do our part to reduce the effects of global warming!

10. Consider Carbon Offsetting: Already implementing the above tips, but want to make even more of a difference? If you’re committed to living green, consider purchasing carbon offsets in order to compensate for your carbon footprint. Learn more about carbon offsetting here.

Our new JustGreen Lifestyle program has simple options to help you go carbon neutral. We offer three carbon offset solutions to fit different lifestyles.  Offset your monthly carbon footprint – with just a few clicks!  Get started here: http://justgreencommunity.com/lifestyle-products/.

Resources:

http://www.smartmoney.com/spend/family-money/13-simple-ways-to-lower-your-electric-bill-22933/