5 New Year's Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

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For many, the New Year comes as a fresh start—an opportunity to change. Some will resolve to lose weight, others may dedicate the year to paying off debts and a good number will make a commitment to stop smoking. While there are many wonderful ways you could spend 2015, you’d do yourself a favor if you dedicate your New Year to energy savings.

Here are five New Year’s resolutions you may actually keep this year.

  • Commit to making your home more efficient. Your budget may not allow an entire home renovation, but there are plenty of small things you can do to improve your home’s efficiency. Swap out old incandescent light bulbs for more efficient CFLs or LEDs. Seal air leaks around your home. Lower your water heater’s temperature. And buy ENERGY STAR certified appliances and gadgets when yours need replacing.

 

  • Vow to get rid of standby energy waste. The average family wastes $100 a year on standby power. Even if you think your appliances and electronics are turned off, they are more than likely sucking some energy from your outlets. Commit to unplugging these devices to stop energy waste and pocket the savings.

 

  • Dedicate time to manage your energy use. Take an active role in your electricity consumption. Monitoring and managing your power use can keep you informed and direct you to areas where you can save. SPEC offers an easy-to-use tool to get you started: SmartHub. Creating an account is free, so sign up today at sanpatricioelectric.org!

 

  • Pledge to lower your heating and cooling cost. Heating and cooling can make up more than 50 percent of your electricity costs. Changes in this area may make the biggest impact if you want to reduce your energy bill. Install a programmable thermostat for an easy way to save energy at home. You can schedule the device to turn your air conditioning up when you’re out and back down before you get home. Budget-friendly versions will only cost you about $20. But if you want a fancier, high-tech model, plan on spending around $250.

 

  • Resolve to cut water waste. In drought-stricken Texas, it’s always a good idea to save water. But the practice can also save you a pool of money. Less water use means a lower water bill and lower water heating costs. Achieve this goal by taking shorter showers, installing low flow fixtures and using the dishwasher instead of hand-washing dishes.