Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year. Handing out candy to all of the kids in my neighborhood never gets old, and at least one child each Halloween season is dressed up as a vampire. Computers, cell phones, cable boxes, and printers can be the Vampires that suck up your money by giving you a bigger monthly electricity bill. The EPA estimates that plugged in devices can suck up $100 a year or more to keep power going to devices not being actively used. What are five smart money moves that can be used to stop the energy vampires from biting you?
Suzanne Jones, Interim President and CEO of the Association of Energy Services Professionals says, "We estimate that by spending $500 on energy efficiency devices that more than $1,800 in energy savings can be generated."
- Use A Smart Shower Head- There are many devices on the marketplace that will stop the water flow when the water temperature is ready to go. Just flip on a switch when you want the hot water. This could save you more than $200 a year.
- Use Smart Power Strips- There are different types of strips on the market, but some are 'current sensing' which means they can detect when a monitor enters into sleep mode. This could mean a $250 savings per year if deployed throughout your house.
- Use LED Bulbs- While there will be an initial up front cost, the savings for your family over using incandescent bulbs throughout a year is incredibly meaningful. How about a more than $300 savings per year?
- Manage Your Thermostat- Keeping your thermostat set at 78 versus 72 while you not at home can add an additional $150 to $200 to your bottom line.
- Insulation, Doors, Windows- You may be eligible for an energy tax credit while also putting some energy savings in your pocket by doing something as simple as adding insulation to improve the loss of heat in your home.
Don't let the energy vampires suck your blood this Halloween season! It's time to get handle on your budget and use some or all of these five smart money moves to put more cash flow in your pocket.
Written by: Ted Jenkin
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