In these uncertain and tumultuous times, it can be challenging to know what the best course of action is. COVID-19, also know as Coronavirus, is an unprecedented worldwide disaster that has grounded commerce, trade, and transportation to a halt.
We all have to live in the new reality, but there are ways that you can save money on your energy bills, even in the middle of a crisis.
One of the most significant ways that COVID-19 has altered our day-to-day lives is through the shelter in place mandates that many states have adopted. These mandates keep us in our homes for more extended periods of time and have even cost some of us our jobs.
More time in our homes means increased energy consumption. Instead of using heat, electricity, and air conditioning in our offices, we are using it at home. This shift means that we're running more of our appliances, lights, and heating and cooling all the time.
It might be difficult to monitor and regulate our energy consumption during the Coronavirus crisis, but it's not impossible.
It was inevitable that our energy consumption would drastically change once we all started staying inside our houses. Flattening the curve means using much more energy at home.
Typically, energy use for the average family dips off on weekday afternoons. This is due to the fact that the vast majority of Americans worked outside of the home, and didn't need to spend much energy in their absence. Now since everyone is staying home, energy consumption remains at a consistent level, leading to higher bills, and taxing already lean bank accounts.
By simply planning ahead, you can keep your energy costs on par or below what they were before COVID-19. All you need to do is adjust your thinking and make smart, strategic choices that cut down on your costs without putting you or your family out.
Many people pay far too much for their energy bills because they don't shop around. If you compare electric rates in your area, you will get a ballpark estimate of what you should be paying, and you might even get a deal on your bill.
You never know what kind of deals you can get by merely making an energy comparison and looking at smaller, more competitive companies. Many companies offer introductory rates and incentives to switch over also. If you like your current provider, you can always use a lower offer as a bargaining chip to shed some cost off your bill.
It always pays to be informed, and when you compare electric rates, you are putting the power back into your hands. Why not take back a little control during these tenuous times, and keep your bank account happy in the process?
There are a plethora of green energy options out there that can save you money and protect the planet at the same time. If you are feeling the squeeze from your energy provider, why not consider an earth-friendly alternative?
There are plenty of options to consider and some of the more popular are as follows:
All of these options come with pluses and minuses, so do your homework and determine which one is best for you. Even if you don't wind up switching, you will feel confident in the fact that you did your due diligence and made an informed decision.
Smart appliances save you a lot of money over the long run.
Since many of them are totally intuitive, you can set them to remember your schedule and turn up and down as your day progresses. Smart appliances are generally more efficient and use far less energy.
They are an investment up front, but you will save a lot of money over the course of the year. It's a good idea to upgrade for future savings and to do a favor for the environment.
Your appliances are sucking up energy, whether you're using them or not. Make it a habit to unplug them, and you will consistently see your energy bills drop. This suggestion might not work for all of your appliances, but you can implement it with smaller ones like laptops or toaster ovens.
Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs and keep your thermostat a little lower. You will hardly notice the difference day-to-day, but you will certainly see it in your monthly electric bills.
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