Everyday Cheapskate

When high school science teacher Ray Janke bought a home in western Massachusetts, he decided to see just how much he could save on his electric bill. He didn't do big things like replacing windows or installing high-end insulation. His changes were simple, like switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and plugging up the home's air leaks.

Janke was so successful in getting his usage down, the electric company called to arrange an audit. They were suspicious that he had been tampering with the electrical meter. How else could he and his wife Cindy (an electrical engineer, by the way) cut their electricity costs to power their 2,200 square foot home by 75 percent?

Here's what I've learned from Janke: Little things done consistently add up to big savings — which is so important, especially now, when energy costs are skyrocketing.

The biggest chunk of our energy dollars (42 percent) go to keeping the temperature comfortable in our homes. Here are some quick and easy ways to cut your heating costs.

Apply weatherstripping. Air leaks around doors and windows make a home drafty and increase heating costs. Find any leaks by holding a lighted candle around each window while a helper points a blowing hairdryer at that spot from the other side. If the flame flickers, you've got a draft.

Insulate outlets and light switches. Every electrical outlet and light switch is a potential air leak. Seal leaks with a foam gasket specially made to fix the problem. Check your local home-improvement center for these very inexpensive gaskets, which you can easily install yourself.

Turn down the thermostat.

The rule of thumb, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), is that you can save about 2 percent on your heating bill for every degree you set back your thermostat for eight hours each day. Turning down the thermostat from 70 degrees to 65 degrees, for example, saves about 10 percent (or $100 saved for every $1,000 of heating cost). Haul out extra blankets so you can turn it down to 60 degrees at night, and you'll save even more.

Install a programmable thermostat, which automatically turns down the heat at night and when you are not home.

Nix the exhaust fans. The Department of Energy says that in just one hour, a bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan can expel a houseful of warm air. If you must use one, make it quick.

Don't use the fireplace. An open flue in a fireplace is like a hole in the roof. Yes, a fire is pretty and creates warmth, but most of that heat is sucked up the chimney. Cut back on using it, and when it's not in use, keep the flue closed.

Watch future columns for tips and information that will help you to dramatically cut your costs to power lights, appliances, hot water and how to defeat phantom power drains at the hand of something known as "standby power."

Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 20 books, including her January 2012 release, "7 Money Rules for Life." You can email her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2099, Cypress, CA 90630. To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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