When it comes to saving money, consumers are learning to be creative. Not only are they cutting back on big ticket items, now they are scrutinizing small necessary bills. The home is no longer a place where bills are “just paid”, rather everything from electric to phone bills are getting the once over.

One of the biggest drains on any paycheck is the electric bill. Everyone needs it and companies know that. They hike prices to bring in more money. Not that it is totally their fault, however. Oil and commodity prices are increasing and the recession’s effect means that most likely costs will continue to rise. For this reason, consumers are hard-pressed to find new ways of saving when it comes to electricity.

Cut down on costs

According to the Energy Information Administration’s Short-Term Energy Outlook, electricity prices are expected to rise 4.7% this year, and another 3.3% the year after. Finding ways to cut back on usage is the only way consumers will be able to manage the added cost. Here are some ways to streamline electricity costs.

HVAC Inspection. Having an HVAC system inspected is the first way to save electric costs. The ventilation, heat and air conditioning system of a house provide many ways to drain energy. A professional inspection costs anywhere from $50 to $100, however the savings are worth it. For example, if a $75 inspection finds a leaking air duct, it can end up saving hundreds over the lifespan of a machine. For anyone wanting to replace units, going with Energy Star-rated appliances can also bring down costs considerably.

Programmable Thermostats. A programmable thermostat can help reduce energy consumption. Programming it to a lower temperature in winter and higher in the summer is a great way to cut back on costs. Most Americans spend eight to ten hours a day away from the home and don’t need to keep the home regulated at the same temperature they would if they were home. According to a study done by EnergyStar.gov, a programmable thermostat that is regulated for eight-hours a day to a less strenuous temperature can save $180 annually.

Insulating and sealing. An inspector can help find leaks along windows, doors, attics and basements. Simple caulk and weather-stripping are basic tools that are used to cut down energy waste in a home. EnergyStar.gov reports that sealing up leaks and insulating it properly can save up to 20% in electric costs. There is also a 30% energy efficiency federal tax credit of up to $1,500 for improvements.

Time-of-use plans. These are newer plans that some electric companies are now offering. They allow consumers to choose lower rates for energy consumption during their off-peak hours. To even out the package, consumers have to pay more for the peak hours, but for some consumers it can save money. Homeowners are encouraged to study their daily habits and see if the discounts can help them cut costs.

Saving money post-recession

Almost every consumer is looking to save money these days and cutting back on electricity costs is one of the easiest ways to do it. Finding money in today’s difficult financial time means scrutinizing everyday costs and electricity is one of the biggest. It may take some upfront investment of time and money, but in the end a lowered electric bill will make up for the efforts.

So many people strive to make enough money for their homes, and though short term loans most definitely assist; there are ways to save extra money. What with the cost of children, miscellaneous bills, mortgage and car payments, cutting back costs in a few areas, and observing frivolous spending habits can help you enjoy a lot more of your money. Just follow this guide:

Adjust the Temperature

By moving the thermostat down in the winter, and up in the summer, thus changing the temperature so that it is not more than 68 degrees in winter and no less than 78 degrees in the summer, you will save anywhere from $300-600/Yr.

Also, lowering your thermostat’s temperature during the night and when you are away from the home saves money, after all, you’re not feeling it. To respectfully cool down your home in the summer months, keep your blinds open, and in the winter keep them closed in order to preserve heat (and if your cooling or heating unit is over 10 years old, try and replace it with another more up-to-date to save over $100/Yr).

Insulate to Maintain Steady Costs

Polyurethane is the best insulator for your home. By sealing all cracks or crevices where hot air can escape- making sure even your attic is insulated- you can save between $100-500/Yr. Remember that hot air rises and you don’t want to lose it because it’s wafting from a non-insulated attic.

Plant Trees

To reduce the amount of heat entering your house during hot summer months, plant trees on the south and west sides of your home. Doing this could save you over $200/Yr rather than spending money on cooling costs every summer. If you’re concerned about the time it takes for a tree to grow, when searching for a new house, look for trees on the west and south sides.

Become a Little More Vegan

By cutting down on your consumption of meat by $10 a month, you could save over $130/Yr. Plus, there are other positives: you will lose some weight in the process, and a gargantuan amount of our crops go solely to feeding animals in order to produce the large quantity of food consumed. Eating less food could produce more.

Stand Up, Don’t Sit Down

Taking showers rather than baths can save you over $500 a year. A 5-minute shower, as opposed to a 20-minute bath, means you’re using less water and that is better for the environment.

Navy Showers

A navy shower is when an individual steps into the shower, waters their self down, and then turns off the water. They lather themselves up, and then turn on the water solely to rinse the soap off. This technique greatly reduces the quantity of water used up.

Turn off Your PC or MAC

Running your computer all day, every day, can add up to lots of money. Instead of applying for those online short term loans, you could turn off your computer- and especially your laser printer (if you happen to own one), and save around $120/Yr. Try only turning your printer on just before printing out a document.

Replace Those 60Watt Bulbs

Switching your 60W incandescent light bulbs to 6 13W CFL’s can save you $70-200/Yr. Technology is progressing and now CFL’s look the same, and produce the same or more light than incandescent bulbs.

Wash it All Together

By washing your clothes in only full loads (in the washer and dryer), you can save between $40-100/Yr. Just like with your heating and cooling units, if your washer or dryer is over 10 years old, replace it with new appliances. Besides, a new version will probably save you lots more water and electricity, and in turn, more money.

Reduce the Flow

Regular showerheads allow a monstrous 10 gallons of water to flow a minute. By reducing to a low-flow showerhead, the surge is cut to 2 gallons of flow per minute. This means that taking a 10 minute shower every day of the year with low-flow showerhead can save you about $50/Yr. If you knock down your shower time to 5 minutes, you can save close to $70/Yr.

Your Total Yearly Savings: $2,520

I’ll bet you didn’t know you had over an extra $2,000 dollars just hanging around. And to think, you didn’t even need a short term loan to obtain it. I’ve only listed a few ways, but there are plenty more. Think about it, you work very hard for your money, why not save some of it?