Reducing Your Bills

Cutting Your Water Heating Bill (PDF)
Energy Efficient Lightbulbs (PDF)
Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners (PDF)
Diagnosing a High Electric Bill (PDF)
Water HeaterThermostat Settings (PDF)
Top 10 Tips For Renters (PDF)
Programmable Thermostats (PDF)

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- We all complain about our bills at some point, especially the electric bill. The JEA says you can control your electric bill by installing and using a programmable thermostat.

Gerri Boyce with the JEA says,"We recommend 78-degrees if you're at home. If you're not home during the day set the program at 81-degrees while you're away and adjust to 78 degrees when you're at home."

Some other money saving tips are to keep your curtains closed on that side of the house where the sun the shines in directly. Switch out your incandescent blubs with CFLs. And run your swimming pool pump for only four hours a day during the summer. The JEA's website has an energy analyzer which gives even more tips to lower your electric bill. Click HERE for more information.

Looking for ways to reduce your credit card bills? Click HERE to check out BillShrink.com. The service recommends the best cards with the lowest interest rates, the best gas prices, the best cell phone plans and the service is free.

Auto insurance can be very costly. The best way to save? Compare rates. There are a variety of websites that allow you to compare rates. Click HERE to view one we like.

Also consider increasing your deductibles to an amount you can cover out of pocket. Ask your agent for available discounts, if you're married or over the age of fifty. Pay your bills on time, your credit history may affect your rates.

If the water bill is causing money to seep out of your budget, install high energy shower heads and take shorter showers. Don't let the water run while hand washing dishes or even brushing your teeth. Avoid washing your car at home, it doesn't save money but it adds to your water bill.

Prescriptions are necessary but the rising cost may swallow up a tight budget. To save, ask your doctor for plenty of samples. Whenever possible use generic brands, and find out if you're eligible for the patient assistance program.

Click HERE for more ways to save on prescriptions.

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