10 Ways to Cut Energy Costs and Save on Your Energy Bill
May 2, 2023
6 min read
Saving money on your energy bill is something that many homeowners strive to do. With energy costs on the rise, it's more important than ever to find ways to decrease the amount of energy you're using in your home.
Fortunately, there are many simple steps that you can take to reduce your energy costs and save money on your energy bill.
10 Ways to Minimize Your Energy Consumption
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), implementing efficiency measures to reduce energy consumption by 15% for one year could save six lives per day and prevent up to $20 billion in health issues.
Reducing your energy costs can be achieved through small changes in behavior and adjustments to your home. Here are some tips that can help you decrease your energy costs:
1. Schedule Regular Maintenance for HVAC Systems
While there may be a temptation to forego professional HVAC maintenance, keeping your system efficient is essential. Along with reducing the risk of significant repairs, annual service could result in lower energy bills due to improved performance and fewer operational issues.
A skilled technician can also optimize settings so that you get optimal comfort from your HVAC system throughout the year. Remember to service your appliances to ensure your home runs smoothly and efficiently. Regular upkeep will help them last longer while performing optimally, from washing machines to fridges.
2. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lightbulbs
You can lower your electricity bill and make your lights last longer by choosing energy-efficient lighting options, such as LED or compact fluorescent bulbs. LED lights and compact fluorescent lightbulbs are more energy efficient, which means they use less electricity to produce the same amount of light.
They also have a longer lifespan than incandescent lightbulbs, so you'll have to change them less often. Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs helps reduce your electric bill and the cost of buying and replacing lightbulbs. Overall, switching to different types of lightbulbs is an easy and effective way to save money on your energy bill.
3. Regularly Replace Your HVAC Filter
Maintaining clean air filters is an easy and effective way to reduce energy consumption. Although some disposable models typically need replacement every month, others can last up to three months if used correctly—refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual for exact details. With a commitment of minimal effort and time, you could be looking at 20 percent savings in your overall usage.
When your HVAC system doesn't have to work as hard to circulate air, it can operate more efficiently and lower energy consumption. Clean air filters not only save energy but also improve the overall comfort of your home by ensuring that the air you breathe is clean and healthy. Regularly checking and replacing your air filters can also extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and reduce the need for costly repairs.
4. Configure Your Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat when you are away from home or sleeping can significantly reduce the energy consumed by your HVAC system, which is typically the highest energy user in a household. Setting the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees lower or higher for 8 hours a day can save you 10% on heating and cooling costs.
Additionally, investing in a programmable thermostat can help optimize energy savings. Smart thermostats are a more advanced option that uses the internet. They allow you to control and monitor your HVAC system from your smartphone or other smart devices, even when you're away from home.
These thermostats can learn your preferences and automatically adjust the temperature to your desired settings and can also give you the ability to check on and control the temperature of your home remotely and receive energy reports.
5. Reduce Hot Water Consumption
Enjoying a hot shower or bath is always enjoyable. However, it can be costly for your energy bill. Consider reducing the length of these activities to maximize efficiency and save yourself some money.
Washing clothes in cold water instead of putting them through an entire cycle with heated water may reduce up to 75 to 90 percent of the energy used by washing machines—all while still keeping your clothes clean!
Lastly, you can consider installing low-flow showerheads and faucets, which can help to reduce water usage without sacrificing the enjoyment of a hot shower or bath. These fixtures use less water, which can lower your energy bill by reducing the energy needed to heat the water.
6. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances
When purchasing new appliances, it is essential to choose energy-efficient ones. The best way to identify such devices is to look for the Energy Star label, particularly on something you frequently use, like your water heater, washer, dryer, television, and heating and cooling system.
While it may not be necessary for every appliance you purchase to have an Energy Star rating, prioritize those that consume less energy and that you use regularly.
Investing in energy-efficient appliances cuts your energy bill and helps reduce the environmental impact. Energy-efficient appliances use less energy to operate, which reduces your energy consumption, lowers your carbon footprint, and contributes to the global effort to combat climate change. Also, some energy companies may offer rebates and incentives for purchasing Energy Star-rated appliances.
7. Replace Worn Out Ducts
Fixing leaks in the ductwork is crucial for increasing the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Drafts can reveal the location of leaks in the ducts. Once found, you can seal it with metallic foil tape.
It is also crucial to check for any damaged sections of ducts and replace them if necessary. Insulating the ductwork can prevent future leaks, and regular maintenance can ensure that the ducts are functioning. If you're unsure how to fix the ductwork, it may be best to hire a professional to inspect and repair the ducts.
8. Be Mindful of Your Usage
Keep an eye on your energy usage by monitoring your utility bills and tracking your usage over time. Being mindful of your energy usage can help you identify areas where you can make changes and reduce your energy costs.
Another way to monitor your energy usage is by using a smart meter or energy monitoring device in your home. These devices can provide real-time data on your energy usage, showing exactly how much energy you're using and where you're using it. This information can help you identify patterns in your energy usage and pinpoint areas where you can make changes to reduce energy costs.
9. Use Natural Light
Instead of turning on lights during the day, open your curtains and let natural light in. Using natural light can save you up to 10% on your energy bill. Strategically placing mirrors in your home can help reflect natural light into darker areas to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Natural light also has many other benefits beyond saving money on your energy bill. For example, natural light is thought to boost mood and productivity and aid in regulating circadian rhythms, which can help improve sleep quality
10. Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
Unplugging appliances and electronics when not in use may seem like a small step, but it can make a big difference in your energy costs. Many electronics still consume energy even when they're off, a phenomenon known as vampire power, commonly known as standby power. Standby power can accumulate up to a significant amount of energy usage and cost over time.
A simple solution is to unplug appliances and electronics when they're not in use. Another option is to invest in smart power strips, which automatically sense when an appliance or electronic device is in standby mode and shut off the power.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Your Energy Bills
Whether you focus on reducing your energy consumption, making energy-efficient upgrades, or taking advantage of energy-saving programs, you can make a real difference in your energy bill. Reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills today!
References: https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/node/1064 https://www.nrdc.org/stories/energy-efficiency-clean-facts https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/everyday-tech/vampire-power.htm https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/best-smart-thermostats-for-2022/ https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-tech/sustainable/smart-power-strip.htm
