Winter Frosts & Costs

Who wants to get hypothermia in their own house? I personally find that a distinctly unsavory idea. When the thermostat drops outside, our electricity bills go up. Most people advise you to keep your heating down, and it's a great energy- and dollar-saving measure, but that can only go so far before it gets too ridiculous. Like when icicles form on your hair when you step out of the shower. In your own bathroom.

So here are three small ways to reduce your energy bills, without threatening your personal health:

1. The vast majority of the energy you pay for... is actually energy loss. That's shocking, more so because one of the biggest causes of this issue is probably not what you expect: leaving your plugs in outlets. Even when your cellphone charger, for example, isn't charging your phone, it is still consuming energy if left plugged in. When the appliances your power adapters are connected to are turned off, they can still consume just as much energy as if the appliances were on. 

The solution is simple: just unplug your appliances when not in use. I know, I know, it's annoying to turn off the TV, unplug it, come back in to watch, plug it in... But seriously: It's a minor inconvenience that will save you money... and CO2 emissions.

2. Converting at least half of the light bulbs in your home to compact flourescents can save you up to 36% in CO2 emissions... aka more money and energy than you may expect. (And please, don't leave lights on when not in use-- what a silly way to spend your money.)

3. Don't leave your refrigerator or freezer open! Minimize the amount you open oven doors while the appliance is on. Every time you open those doors more than briefly, the temperature inside changes just enough that the appliance automatically uses more energy to make up for it. Decide what you want before you open the door, check to make sure the doors seal shut properly, and use the oven light when possible.