How can I save on energy costs? Let me count the ways!
For those of you who did not hear my screams of utter shock, I recently opened my latest and greatest electric bill. I promptly got online and started researching ways of saving electricity. At least I had some control over this situation…
…and it started with taking down my Christmas lights.
There are many ways to cut down on electricity use. Many of them have been pounded into our heads since elementary school. The problem is that many of us fail to heed the advice until we can blatantly see on our electric bill that our carbon footprint may not be as small as we thought it was.
For example, in the winter bundle up. Wear more layers instead of cranking the heat. Spend more time in the warmer parts of your home. My daughter and I hang out on the south side 2nd floor of our home because the sun shines in and warms it more than the downstairs area. When summer hits, as it always seems to do, we will move our activities to the 1st floor where it is cooler.
Wash laundry with cold water instead of hot or warm water. This can add up to a savings of around $150/year! If you are lucky enough to live somewhere it is possible, use a laundry rack or clothesline instead of the dryer. This could save you (depending on the weather) close to $200 a year.
Want to save even more?
Consider investing a small amount of money in space heaters and heat only the rooms you are in. Turn off the heaters when you leave the room. Not only will you stay nice and toasty, but you may save around $1000 a year. I don’t know about you, but I would probably take that $1000 and spend it BEING somewhere warm…
….like the tropics.
A lot of new homes on the market already are more energy efficient than they were 5 years ago. Investing in making a home energy efficient can be costly. However, you can also earn tax credits from the government for making the effort to reduce our consumption overall. If you are in the market for a new home, consider the pros and cons of buying a home without energy efficient upgrades. It may be worth your while to use a buyers agent who can save you money when buying a home so you can invest it back into energy saving changes.
Colorado buyer’s agents are completely sympathetic when it comes to dealing with cold weather and the changes that are necessary to face it. They also have many local resources who can help you when it comes to cutting your electricity usage. Whether you are interested in buying a home to bring your personal touch to or buying a home that is winter- ready, consult a Colorado buyer’s agent to learn more about how they can help you save money and get the best deal on the home that is right for you.
