A lot of us are trying to save money—and cutting monthly expenses to reduce energy costs at home is a great way to do that. The average U.S person spends a couple thousands of dollars a year on gas, electric, and water bills, but there are ways to cut down home utility costs.
Small upgrades to your heating, cooling, and water usage can make your home more energy-efficient.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Using energy-efficient lightbulbs is an easy way to pinch pennies around the house. Incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs use more energy than LED lights. Making the switch from older bulbs to LED lighting will give you better lighting while expending less energy.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat even by a few degrees can help cut costs. Try to limit the use of your air conditioner, and when you’re not home it’s a good idea to set the thermostat higher in the summer and lower in the winter. But don’t turn your HVAC off and on to save money. This will make it work harder and use more energy.
Make sure your thermostat is regulating your heating and cooling efficiency. If you hear it running constantly, it could have a problem.
Monitor Water Usage
Installing flow meters to monitor your home’s water usage might seem counterintuitive to saving money. However, over the years, you’ll earn your investment back along with the reduced costs in your monthly water bill. Flow meters can spot leaky pipes and help to uncover problematic leakage that would have gone undetected otherwise. Not only will you save money in utility costs, but you’ll also prevent costly water damage to your home by catching leaks early.
There are so many ways to cut down home utility costs, from washing larger loads of clothing, unplugging appliances when you’re not using them, and taking colder showers. Implementing simple hacks along with investing in items that monitor or cut down on energy use will help you reduce household bills.
Winter storms are sweeping across the US, bringing snow emergencies in the Northeast and flooding in the Pacific Northwest. Stay safe with driving tips, shelter resources, and pet care guidance, plus direct links to emergency services.
Use official sources for live alerts and road conditions. Follow your local authorities' advice and guidance immediately by staying off roads or evacuating.
Current situation across the United States
Severe winter weather is affecting multiple regions across the country. In the Northeast, heavy snow and ice are creating hazardous travel conditions, while the Pacific Northwest is dealing with widespread flooding, evacuations, saturated ground, and powerful winds. Staying prepared, remaining aware of conditions, and knowing where to find shelter are essential for keeping both people and pets safe.
In industries where a fraction of a millimeter can mean the difference between success and failure, precision is everything. From the sleek curves of an aerospace fuselage to the intricate components of a medical device, the ability to cut metal with exacting accuracy is the backbone of modern manufacturing.
Older urban buildings carry a unique character, from ornate facades to intricate interior details. These qualities create both charm and responsibility for residents, property managers, and city planners.
As communities gather this Sunday, December 7th, to remember, we look back at a single morning that reshaped a nation, examine the causes and consequences of the attack, and reflect on how Hawai‘i and the world carried forward the work of healing and reconciliation.
A Morning That Changed the World
On a clear morning that remains etched into the pages of history, aircraft appeared over Pearl Harbor and the United States Pacific Fleet was struck in a surprise assault. In fewer than two hours, battleships burned, aircraft were destroyed on the ground, and more than 2,400 American service members and civilians lost their lives. The attack thrust the United States into the global conflict of World War II and set in motion a series of events that would transform both the Pacific and the world.
Hitting the open road brings a sense of freedom, but it also brings the challenge of packing. You likely want to bring everything you need without compromising safety or comfort inside the vehicle. However, improperly secured loads can lead to lost luggage and cause serious safety hazards for other drivers on the road.