In a recession, it's important to save money wherever possible. For many people, utility bills make up a large proportion of their monthly expenditure. You can slash the costs of your electricity bill by following these three simple steps:
1. Lower your thermostat by three degrees. You won't notice the difference, but you will save money. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can save even more. There's no point in heating your house when there's no one home or when everyone is asleep. People with programmable thermostats can save as much as 20-30%. If you have a ceiling fan, use it in the summer instead of air conditioning.
2. Cover your windows with plastic film in the winter. You can buy it in almost any home improvement store. It's very easy to install. All you need is the film, double-sided tape and a hairdryer. This prevents drafts and keeps the house warm. Five minutes of work can save you tens of dollars each month in heating costs.
3. Turn off lights and appliances when you're not using them. Don't leave things on standby. They can still use a lot of electricity. Appliances left on standby can add over $100 to the cost of your annual electricity bill. They also produce over 85kg of CO2 per year, making it not only costly, but also environmentally unfriendly. If you're going to buy a new TV or a kitchen appliance, make sure it has an "off" button and is energy efficient. The same goes for light bulbs. The savings may seem small, but they do add up.