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Originally Posted by SummerChild
Does anyone know how to get and keep utility bills down? Is it true that if I unplug everything, it will make a significant difference in the electricity bill?
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Sorry to crash your forum, but this is a topic that really interests me. My husband and I did some research on this and starting unplugging things like the microwave and coffee maker. Anything with a clock basically gets unplugged. We have the cable box, DVD player and TV on a surge protector that we turn off at night. The internet is also off when it is not being used. Chargers that are not being used still use energy if they are plugged in. We noticed a difference in the electric bill. It's small, but hey, money adds up!
For heating, we've put insulation in the attic, put in a new boiler (it literally paid for itself in less than 3 years), put in new windows and a programmable thermostat. Pipe insulation really helps as well-and it's really cheap. We did it in our apartment basement before we bought a house. That cost us maybe $20, but it saved us a lot a money. You can also save on heat by keeping the blinds closed in the winter. It makes it a little dreary, but if you have drafty windows, it is an extra barrier. (and if you're at work anyway) We used to wrap our windows in plastic before as well.