This winter seems tougher than previous ones. My husband’s company cut his hours and we are trying to adjust to our new budget. I would really love to bring down some of our utility bills. Do you have any suggestions?
-Chris, Saline

I am sorry about your situation, it seems as though many of us here are feeling the pinch. There are several ways to cut down on the utilities you are using which will bring those bills down. The U.S. Department of Energy has published a resource booklet filled with tips and ideas. On the DTE Energy website there is also some very helpful information for you.

With a tight budget, here are my top five low cost or no cost ideas.

1. Dial back the thermostat. I know this is a very common step to saving energy but it is the best step. DTE states that for each degree below 72 degrees you dial back, you can save 3 percent on your bill. Installing a programmable thermostat can help you keeping the temperatures down while you are not at home or at night when you are tucked into a warm bed. And now DTE and MichCon are now offering a $10 rebate for customers who purchase one.

2. Use surge protector strips with your small appliances, phone chargers and laptops, computers and monitors. When you are not using these, turn the switch on the power strip off. These items constantly draw energy even when the AC adaptors are not being used. If you do not want to purchase a power strip, you can simply unplug them.

3. Shop for Energy Star products. Energy Star is a program involving the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy that promotes the most energy efficient and planet conscious products and programs. They have set up guidelines that save money and protect the environment. Just look for the Blue Energy Star label when you are considering buying new products.

4. Repair all leaky faucets and or running toilets. A leaking faucet that drips about five times per minutes will waste about a liter per day and about 173 gallons of water per year. If you have more than one drippy faucet or a toilet that runs, it really starts to add up.

5. Use your hot water less. Try cutting down on your shower time by a few minutes. Install a low flow shower head; it will save water and the energy used to heat the water because you will be using less. Try washing more loads of clothes in cold water. Tide has a great detergent that works well in cold water. My wife uses it and has not experienced any problems with it; it is called Tide Coldwater.

Using these tips and using the recourses to research more information should help. I hope your situation changes soon for your family.

Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as President and founding member of Nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. www.handypro.com. Listen to Paul every Saturday at 11 a.m. on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” WAAM Talk 1600AM. Email questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com.