Simple Ways Your Lower Your Energy Bill This Spring 

 Rising energy bills are often frustrating. After all, your home payment does not change. Your monthly car payment remains the same every month, no matter what the cost of gas is. Unfortunately, there are lots of reasons that your utility bill could go up or swing wildly by more than $50 per month. While it can be difficult to take action, there are some things you can do to reduce your monthly outgoings. Here are some ways you can save money on your energy bill.

 1. What Appliances Cost The Most To Run   

Reduce your electricity use - If you have an energy efficient appliance, this will help reduce your electricity use. Some appliances, such as those used to heat water and to dry clothes, have a relatively small impact on your monthly energy bill. However, these types of appliances typically consume a lot of electricity. If you have an older, less energy efficient appliances, it may be time for an upgrade. Consider changing your energy plans to ones that are more affordable and will be suitable for your new appliances.

Here’s what uses the most energy in your home:

• Cooling and heating: 47% of energy use

• Water heater: 14% of energy use

• Washer and dryer: 13% of energy use

• Lighting: 12% of energy use

• Refrigerator: 4% of energy use

• Electric oven: 3-4% of energy use

• TV, DVD, cable box: 3% of energy use

• Dishwasher: 2% of energy use

• Computer: 1% of energy use

Obviously you can make the most impact on your bill by addressing the most energy hungry appliances first.

 2. Simple Ways To Keep Your Energy Bills Low This Spring 

Switch to utility companies that give you flexible charges. There are many companies that offer competitive rates when it comes to monthly electricity rates. Why pay more when you can pay less? Most people are surprised to find out that when the bill comes, they actually end up paying less. With so many energy costs, including those tied to the rising price of gas and electricity, many people think they cannot afford to pay their bill.

Save on your cooling and heating use. Your utility company keeps track of how much electricity you use each month based on your use. If you are a heavy user, such as in the summer months, you pay a lot more than someone who uses a less amount of electricity. If you want to keep your cooling and heating costs down, switch to an alternative cooling and heating provider during the extreme climate months. Some utility companies offer their customers discounts when they switch to them during daylight savings time, which is generally around March and April every year.

Switch to electric water heaters. Many utility companies get their electricity from power plants that use coal. In most cases, it's cheaper to use coal than it is to buy electricity from power plants. If you're willing to spend the money to pay your electric bill each month, you can make the switch to a good quality electric water heater.

Get rid of your old appliances. You can save a lot of money if you decide to remove your old appliances and replace them with more efficient ones. Energy bills for older refrigerators, stoves and other items are higher than the price of the new ones. So switch to a better energy-efficient model, and you will pay less money on your monthly electric bill. You may also qualify for tax credits when you purchase certain energy efficient appliances.

Replace all the appliances in your home with energy star appliances. The government offers rebates for products that have gotten Energy Star reviews, and this includes all your appliances, including your washer and dryer.  In addition to big energy users, such as your heating and cooling system, there are also often Energy Star rebates for sealing windows, and insulation.  Don't forget to look for the Energy Star seal when you shop for other products such as electronics (computers and TVs) as well as lighting, ceiling fans, light bulbs, and even decorative lighting you might be using outdoors. Energy Star products last longer and are more energy efficient than normal products, so they are a good investment. When you have fewer bills and more money in your pocket, you can use that extra money to pay your bills and eventually eliminate them.