10 Steps to Save on your Summer Energy Bill

Saving money on our summer energy bill is not only great for the family budget, but is also beneficial to the community. It takes only a few simple steps to cut your energy bill by as much as 20%-50%.

Saving energy doesn't have to be as painful as sunburn, nor does it have to cost much money or time. It has more to do with changing a few energy-wasting habits. And where costs are involved - such as having your cooling system checked annually by a professional - the expense can be offset by making your system more efficient and longer-lasting.

1.) Close draperies or shades during the day to block the sun.

2.) Keep cool air in by installing insulation and weather stripping.

3.) Cook on the grill to keep cooking heat outside. When using the stove, vent heat outside with a range hood.

4.) Use a microwave instead of an oven. Microwaves use less than half the power of a conventional oven and cook food in about one-fourth the time.

5.) Use the air-dry feature on dishwashers.

6.) Service air conditioners annually and change the filter regularly. Use a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home, and turn air conditioners off when no one is home.

7.) Use cold water rather than hot when doing laundry. You will save about 85% of the energy it takes to wash clothes.

8.) Use washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers after 7pm when energy costs are lower in most places.

9.) Save energy by using the fast rather than slow spinning cycle when drying clothes, since the fast cycle removes more water.

10.) Switch to fluorescent lights that use on-third of the energy than incandescent lights.


Remember that appliances account for about 20% of your household's energy consumption. A new energy-efficient refrigerator could save from $35 to $70 a year compared to models of 15 years ago. This amounts to between $525 and $1,050 during the average 15-year life of the unit.

Remind your family of the steps, and implement them into your life.

8 Tips to Save Money on Groceries

The average family’s grocery bill is usually one of the higher numbers on the family budget. There can be an enormous difference in what each family spends on their groceries, depending on many factors, such as whether they buy name brand, more meat, etc.

The good news is that this allows for a large amount of savings if we decide to be frugal with our shopping. Following a few simple tips will have you well on your way to saving a few bucks.

1.) Make a meal plan. You’ll know exactly what you need from the store before you go.

2.) Watch for specials and coupons in store newsletters, and plan your meals around them.

3.) Make a list and stick to it. If it’s not on the list, don’t buy it.

4.) Don’t shop when you’re hungry. That way you won’t be tempted to buy things that you don’t need.

5.) Shop alone. Count on your bill being higher when you bring your spouse or children.

6.) Only buy things you know you’ll use. For example, if your family doesn’t like broccoli, don’t buy broccoli in the hopes that they’ll eat healthier this week.

7.) Keep your eyes on the items on the bottom shelf where the prices are lower.

8.) Buy store brands when the quality is the same. Most of the time, it actually is the same product in a different package.

It’s pretty easy to be frugal once you realize how much money you’re actually saving with these simple steps. Keep a log of your grocery bills, so you can see how much of a difference you are making.