The winter season can often be synonymous with increased household energy costs. Small changes can add up to cost and energy savings.  Consumers Energy provides 100 Ways to Save on Your Energy Bill!

We’ve picked out a handful of solutions that can be implemented today!

1. Reduce hot water use – Do you stand in the shower under hot water as a way to wake yourself up each day?  Shortening your showers by a minute or two in the morning, along with not letting the hot water run while you shave or brush your teeth can help save up to 5% or more per year.  Additional tactics include washing your laundry in cold water and running hot water only when rinsing dishes.
2. Insulate Electrical Outlets – Did you know about 2% of air escapes your home through electrical outlets, particularly on exterior walls?  You can install insulation covers called gaskets between the switch plate cover and outlet to eliminate drafts and reduce heat escape.
3. Most homes have at least 50 household items that use either natural gas or electricity. Many electronic devices and appliances continue to draw power when they are plugged in even if they are powered off. Installing Smart Power Strips can help reduce electricity use in a home office.
4. Fix dripping faucet – A single dripping faucet can waste up to 212 gallons of water per month.
5. Clean or replace furnace filters – During the cold winter months, replacing the furnace filter more frequently helps the furnace use less energy because they are “breathing” easier.  Depending on home conditions (pets, allergies, etc) it is recommended that a filter be changed every one to 3 months.

For more recommendations on ways to save energy without spending money, visit here.