The more energy we use, the more money we pay for the use of that energy. Saving energy therefore leads to saving money. You can save money on your electric bill by improving some areas of your home. Energy is wasted in unseen ways that many people don’t even think about. Small gaps in window or door frames let heat in or out, thermostat settings can put unnecessary strain on your heating and cooling units, and electronics can consume electricity, even when they are off. Start by sealing up your home. An airtight home will be far more energy efficient when it comes to heat and air conditioning. Making sure windows and doors leading outside are closed fully will greatly reduce the amount of heat transfer. If your windows are old, though, they may need replacing to truly keep the air from leaking out. New Energy Star windows are built to seal in your climate controlled air. If you aren’t looking to replace them, at least consider weather-stripping. This involves affixing brushes, rubber, or caulk to seal gaps in your window’s frame or sash. Setting your home thermostat 7-10°F lower in the winter or higher in the summer can save you up to 10% on your annual energy costs. Similarly, setting your water heater to 120°F from its 140°F factory setting can save a lot of energy. When washing clothes, use the cold water settings as much as possible. About 90% of the energy consumed washing clothes is from heating the water. When you’re not using electronics or small appliances like microwaves and coffee makers, unplug them. Even if they are not actively being used, these devices still drain electricity. They only way to save that electricity is to cut off the flow of power. In the case of entertainment centers, plug everything into a power strip that has a shutoff switch. With the flip of that one switch, you can keep up to six devices from costing you money. There are many other ways to lower energy costs, and Shop Texas Electricity can help you by finding you an electricity plan with low rates and great plans. Contact us today!