You spend a lot of time up in your log cabin, and sometimes the energy bill is a shocker. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce that figure that require only minimal effort.
Lights
In general, turning off your lights is a fantastic way to save on the energy bill. However, there is one exemption to this rule, and you should check the lighting types of your log cabin. If you have CFL bulbs, leave them on if you’re going to be gone less than 15 minutes. These bulbs wear out very quickly if they’re constantly turned on and off. Also, if you’re not using energy-efficient bulbs, consider upgrading for even more savings.
Unplugging
Often, devices will continue to draw electricity while they’re turned off. These so-called energy vampires combined add up on your log cabin’s utility bill. Some of the biggest offenders are chargers and entertainment systems. To avoid energy vampires in your log home, plug them into power strips and turn those off when not in use.
Fill the Fridge
Refrigerators are a modern marvel. Unfortunately, they can consume so much of your log home’s energy. Since you’re not able to unplug this one, your first step is to use a thermometer to confirm it’s actually set at the correct temperature. Assuming it is, then your next step is to declutter and organize. An inefficiently organized fridge cause food to spoil faster since the air doesn’t circulate. Lastly, set up a twice-yearly coil cleaning schedule on your log cabin’s fridge.
Slow Cook
As the world pushes more towards instant gratification, you can save money by slowing down. Using a slow cooker more frequently in your log cabin lowers your energy bill. This is due to the efficiency of slow cookers, which use less energy to heat than an oven or stove does. As a bonus, you’ll have to spend less time in your log home’s kitchen.
Washing Out
Laundry is a significant energy user too. Fortunately, there are two things you can start doing to reduce the drain. First, consider washing all the clothes in your log cabin on cold. The wash cycle spends most of its energy heating water. Second, you should consider running a towel through the first part of the dry cycle with each load. This absorbs extra water, leasing to a decreased dry time. Even better, consider adding an outdoor clothesline to your log home and skipping drying altogether.
Ask
Many utility companies offer programs where you can save money by giving them control of your log cabin’s A/C unit. The company will cycle your unit off and on to better handle the electrical load on their grid. In exchange, you’ll get a bill discount. Typically, these programs allow the fan to continue to run, so you shouldn’t notice a measurable difference in temperature of your log home. These energy bill savings are definitely worth considering.
