Cut Down On Electricity Consumption And Avoid A Payday Loan

With energy bills reaching into the hundreds, it's no wonder some consumers turn to a payday loan to pay for their heating and cooling bills. Even those in sunny California need to crank up the heat or A/C at certain times of the year. For those of us who endure harsh winters and brutal summers, our bank accounts can barely keep up with our energy meters.

Saving money on your electricity can come in two ways: paying less for electricity and lowering your electricity consumption.

This may seem easier said than done but with a few tips for DIY (do-it-yourself) ways to lower your utility bills, you will find these "pay for themselves" projects will make your bank balance a lot happier!

1) Purchase and Install a Programmable Thermostat- This type of thermostat is one of the best ways to save money because it regulates the temperature of your home. Within 30 minutes you can install a T-stat where the original one was. Most electric companies recommend setting your T-stat at 76-80 degrees in the summer and between 68-72 degrees in the winter.

2) Check the Insulation Around Doors and Windows- It may seem like a time consuming and tedious process but caulking and weather stripping your windows and doors will save you quite a bit on your bill as well as making the temp of your home much more comfortable.

3) Be a Big Fan!- Running the AC may be convenient and comfortable but it's by far the most expensive part of your monthly bill and definitely a waste of energy. Install ceiling fans and use portable fans to cool off. Consider purchasing a swamp cooler. Do whatever you can to stay cool and avoid having to visit the payday loan lender just to pay your bill!

4) Get Energy Efficient With Appliances- Look for the Energy Star label when purchasing new appliances and enjoy the rebate that comes with using these eco-friendly appliances.

5) Switch Energy Suppliers- If you live in a "deregulated" state, meaning there is not a monopoly on energy suppliers, you can shop around to find a company that offers better rates.

6) Pull the Plug- You would be surprised how much energy your appliances can use even when they are not turned on; the cable box being one of the biggest culprits! Consider investing in a Kill-A-Watt plug load meter to find out what is sucking energy. Purchase timers for those that seem to be costing the most. That way you don't have to unplug and/or plug-in everything, everyday. Using an electrical strip is also a great option. Not only because you can flip one switch and turn everything off, but because it is meant to protect you and your sockets by automatically turning everything off should there be a power surge.

It's not always one thing that can create a change…but many. By taking the proper steps above, you can reduce your energy bill dramatically and avoid having to borrow money just to pay your electricity bill.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com