As we usher in the New Year, many of us plan ways to make resolutions to improve ourselves and our finances! Living more sustainably not only reduces your cost of living but also increases the money you can save.
As the daylight hours get shorter and the weather chillier, electrical usage rises during November through March as we enjoy being inside our homes. Then, the Holidays usually incur more indulgence for heating, travel, gifts, decorative lighting, and the use of many of our home goods.
Living for a “New Year of Prosperity” can be earned with small daily habits of improvement that are the key to long-term results.
Living more sustainably not only reduces your cost of living but also increases the money you can save. So as the New Year starts and people are looking to make those resolutions to pay off debt, reduce bills, save for home improvements, or a needed getaway, keep these tips in mind.
Unplug any lights, chargers, gaming stations, appliances, or other items not in use from your outlets.
According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, if consumers unplug these items, they are saving wattage use.
It is not a myth and has been proven that appliances, lights, and other devices sip small amounts of energy even when turned off. Even a phone charger left in a wall consumes .26 watts of energy vs. 2.24 when connected. If you times that by 15 different items never used in a household on a regular basis, left plugged in 24/7, it can add up wattage use very quickly.
Switch to LED Lights to save energy as they convert a higher percentage of electricity into light rather than heat, making them up to 90% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. LED lighting products typically last much longer than other lighting types. A good quality LED bulb can last 3 to 5 times longer than a CFL and 30 times longer than an incandescent bulb, and can have a big impact on energy savings for your home. Companies like Philips have a large selection of smart home products like light fixtures, lamps, and bulbs, as well as smart security cameras and sensors.
Remember to lower the watts and keep cash to stay, because energy smarts save money each day!
