Saving money on your energy bill is something that could put extra money in your pocket to help you buy something you want, pay down debt and give you more disposable income.

A big portion of your monthly budget likely goes to pay for utilities at home. There are some great ways to save money on your energy bill.  Here are some great tips to help you save:

-Seal all drafts around doors and windows.  Weather stripping can save you money every month

-Consider having your attic reinsulated. New reflective products work great at helping you to keep warm air in during the winter and cool air in during hotter months

-Put outside lights on timers/sensors so they don’t get needlessly left on during the day

-Use outdoor solar lights instead of plug in lights for harnessing free energy from the sun

-Upgrade your appliances. Older appliances cost a lot extra each year in energy and new energy efficient appliances may even have rebates from your local government or hydro company

-If you live in a humid area, replace your air conditioner with an evaporative cooler. Swamp coolers use 1/3 of the energy of an air conditioner and can make your home’s temperature very cool in summer

-Teach everyone to turn things off. Appoint someone in the family as the Energy Officer who can actually fine people who leave lights unneccesarily on with money fines or chores to be done. (Money fines can go towards paying down debt or buying something for the home!)

-Switch to energy saving lightbulbs

-Install LED night lights or standalone (no power) nightlights that use almost no energy instead of leaving lights on at night

-Install a wood stove for the winter and get rid off those baseboard heaters if you have them

-Consider getting OFF the grid with solar and wind energy solutions. Read about this here. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to tell the energy companies to shove off or even better, require them to pay YOU money because your house generated electricity for them from wind and solar power.