How does trimming your energy bill down by 30% sound?  Impossible?  Not really.  First, you need to understand where your power consumption stems from.  The bulk of your energy is coming from your heating and cooling systems. The Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN) estimates that heating and cooling systems are accountable for around 44% of your energy bill.

Not to worry though.  We’ve got four great ideas to help you lower your bill dramatically.

1. Multiple Fridges?  If you have more than one refrigerator in your home, you would be shocked at how much energy is being used.  More or less, these fridges are older models (the older the fridge, the more energy it needs to run effectively…) and are installed in a garage or basement just to store beer or excess food.  Try getting rid of these additional energy suckers.  If you can’t, then use them only the night before you need something chilled for that football party.  Unplug it if you don’t absolutely need it all the time!

2. Maintaining the Fridge.  See that temperature gauge in your fridge?  Where is it pointing?  Hint:  You don’t need to have it turned all the way.  Try putting the dial to a lower setting.  If it’s not staying as cool as you need it, then you may need to bring in a handyman or check for damaged door rim seals.  Did you know that by simply putting in new door seals, you could extend the life of your fridge and guarantee more effective, less expensive fridge cooling rather than purchasing a new fridge?

Let’s admit it, how long do you stare into your fridge debating what you want to eat or drink?  You could help lower that energy bill by deciding what you want before you go into the fridge, too!

3. Air Conditioners/ Furnaces.  You would be amazed at how much energy is being squandered by crevices in your windows and doors.  If you have your air or heat on, you definitely should make sure that all the windows and doors are tightly sealed.  The other problem with furnaces and air conditioning:  dirty filters.  If you haven’t been regularly cleaning your filters, airflow will eventually become blocked.  Try using a fan next summer.  They are more energy-efficient.  If you have to use your air conditioning system, then try to keep it at a neutral temperature.

4.  Programmable Thermostats. This is an investment that is well worth it.  Think about investing in a new thermostat that will automatically change the interior temperature of your home based on changes outdoors.  These thermostats can actually save you between 20% and 30% by cutting energy usage when nobody is home or everyone is already sleeping!  Before you buy this thermostat, consider a few things including multiple temperature settings, multiple programs and temperature recovery systems.

Try using a few of these tips today to see a significant cut in your next energy bill. It really is that simple!

Green Living