In honor of Earth Day, we have a green budget tip that’s as good for the planet as it is for your wallet!
Common culprits that eat up energy: gadgets, chargers, and devices on standby. Unplug everything that’s not in use and cut back on yourenergy usage by 5-10%. Make it easy by plugging all of your devices into a power strip that you can quickly switch on or off.
Take a look at your large appliances as well. It might be time for an upgrade to a more energy-efficient washer, dryer, or refrigerator. While those are higher in one-time cost, they can deliver significant savings over time that make the outlay well worth it. And, many state and local governments and utility companies will even reward you for purchasing energy-efficient appliances, usually in the form of a rebate check. Depending on your state, you may also be eligible for tax incentives or grants (check the online Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, or DSIRE, for programs in your area).
Whether it’s a whole-home overhaul or a simple 5-minute check to make sure that everything is unplugged, your energy usage is just waiting to be optimized. Switch off those devices, and switch on the savings!
