National Cut Your Energy Costs Day

January 10th is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, which encourages consumers to explore their energy provider options and remind them to keep up with scheduled maintenance. Energy bills can get pricey, especially during the winter months, so it is important to be mindful of the energy you are using. Identifying energy usage that is not necessary and eliminating it can drastically reduce your monthly electric bill. Here are four of the  most effective, but small changes that can reduce your energy cost in  the New Year:

1. Turn down the thermostat during winter months
   The U.S Department of Energy estimates that you can save between 5-15% on your electricity bill if you lower the thermostat by ten to 15 degrees for an eight-hour period. The rule of thumb is that you save about 3% on your heating bill for every one degree you turn the thermostat down. This can add up to a  substantial amount of savings.
2. Use energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs
   According to learn.eartheasy.com, Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs are four times more energy-efficient than incandescent light-bulbs and will last up to ten times longer. These bulbs use anywhere from 50-80% less energy than incandescent bulbs which helps to decrease your energy bill and save money.
3. Run dishwasher and washing machine only when fully loaded
   The Simple Dollar estimates that a dishwasher unit uses approximately 1.5 kWh on average to wash a load of dishes, excluding the costs of the water. That’s an average cost of $0.17 per  load. Running the dishwasher  less frequently will help you to save some additional money. Additionally, this applies to the cost to run your washing machine. On average it costs $0.17 per load, or roughly $4.28 per month. Having a full load of clothes each time you do laundry can add up in savings to consumers over time.
4. Replace old windows with new energy-efficient windows
   Energy efficient windows are designed to prevent your heated or cooled air from escaping your home. The increased insulation reduces your overall energy usage in your house, therefore decreasing your electric bill.

These are just some of the ways that consumers can cut down their electric and gas usage to help reduce their monthly bill. In honor of National Cut Your Energy Costs, consider implementing these tips to reduce energy usage in your home or office to save some extra cash!