Sizzling Heat and Household Budgets Do Not Mix

Sizzling heat and freezing temperatures can take a sizable chunk out of household budgets throughout the year. “Changing seasons require homeowners to adapt quickly when it comes to household savings,” says National Foundation for Credit Counseling© (NFCC©) spokesperson Bruce McClary. “The good news is that there is more than one way to achieve the kind of energy efficiency that can add up to extra savings.”

According to the NFCC, homeowners can spend less on energy by:

• Turning off lights, televisions, stereos, computers, and other electrical devises when not in use;

• Installing a programmable thermostat to efficiently manage heating and cooling;

• Plugging items such as televisions and DVR players into a power strip to prevent them from running on standby;

• Drying dishes by hand instead of using a heated drying cycle in the dishwasher;

• Lowering the hot water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit;

• Replacing older shower heads with low flow attachments;

• Waiting for a full load before washing clothes and dishes;

• Using a clothesline to dry clothes or using the air dry setting on the dryer;

• Closing all windows and doors when heating or cooling the home.

Remember light bulbs, home appliances, electronics and other products that display the ENERGY STAR® label are products that comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy guidelines.

If energy costs have contributed to uncontrollable debt, the NFCC can provide financial counseling in-person, by phone, or online. To reach a certified financial counselor, visit www.nfcc.org.

Source: NFCC