After the surge in holiday spending, we are all looking to cut costs. Today might be your time to save because it is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day!
A good place to start: Appliances. The typical American home has 40 products that are constantly plugged in and draining power, even when they are not being used. The big offenders: Phone / computer charger, coffee maker, blender, etc. These energy suckers can cost you up to $100 a year.
A simple solution: Unplug each device once you are done using it, or plug them into a power strip and turn them all off at once.
For bigger appliances like dishwashers or refrigerators, make sure they are Energy Star certified. It will cost you more up front, but over the years will save you hundreds.
An easy place to save: In the laundry room. Washing your clothes in cold water will cut costs. About 90 percent of the electricity consumed by washing machines is used just to heat the water.
Also, use your automatic setting on your thermostat. Drop the temperature 7-10 degrees while you're at work for eight hours a day.
Other ways to save: Close the blinds in the summer and leave them open in the winter to reduce the burden on your HVAC system. In addition, experts recommend cleaning your HVAC unit every 30 days to keep it running efficiently. By doing this, you could save between $62 and $118 a year!
Finally, switch to LED bulbs. They last longer and are 90 percent more efficient than traditional bulbs. It could save you $75 a year!