Penny Pinchers

Brrr... it's cold! And if your electric bill was anything like mine last month, you're looking for ways to cut it in the future! The following list of penny-pinching ideas is adapted from Richard Paul Evans' book "The 5 Lessons A Millionaire Taught Me." I have personally used some of these tips, plan to implement more, and included others that you might find helpful as well. •Contact your energy supplier. Your local electric and gas companies may have carious reduced-rate plans depending on your age, income level, or dwelling.
•Check windows and doors for air leaks. Use caulk to seal them. A package of caulk will cost less than $5. Check your local home-improvement stores for more ideas.
•Insulate your water heater. Although your water heater and pipes may be insulated on the inside, they can lose heat and energy through the outside casing. Insulating blankets are available at most home-improvement stores. They are easy to install and can save you up to 3 percent on monthly heating bills.
•Turn down your heat by five degrees and wear a sweater. This could save 15 percent on your heating bills.
•Replace 100-watt bulbs with 60-watt bulbs.
•Unplug appliances.
•Install dimmers in living areas such as dining rooms and bedrooms. Lights dimmed 15 percent reduce energy consumption by 15 percent.
•Lower your heat when you're not home.
•Use high-energy appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines on off-peak hours. (Call your utility company to find out about different rates for on-and off-peak times.)
•Close heat vents in any room that odes not need to be heated.
•Turn off lights, television, and other appliances when leaving a room.
•Check your utility bill. One study showed that four out of five companies overcharged on their utilities. Utilities' auditing companies report that on average most homeowners are overcharged by 20 percent.

~Kate Boyer Brown