As a homeowner, you’re always looking for ways to save money. Reducing your energy consumption is a great way to do that. Here are ten tips to help you reduce household energy consumption and save money on your monthly energy bill. If you are unsure which energy-saving appliances are best for your home, consult a local HVAC contractor.
1. Get a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is one of the easiest ways to reduce energy consumption. You can set it to lower the temperature when you’re away from home or sleeping and raise the temperature when you’re home and awake. This can save you significant money on your energy bill each month.
2. Reduce Your Water Heater Temperature
Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can save energy by turning it down to 120 degrees. This simple change can trim 7-10% off your energy bill each month.
3. Educate Your Family About Conserving Energy
You can’t save energy if everyone in your family isn’t on board. Talk to your family about conserving energy and why it’s important. Brainstorm ways everyone can pitch in, such as turning off lights when they leave a room or unplugging electronics that aren’t being used. The more everyone does their part, the more energy you’ll save.
4. Compare Energy Rates
Take some time to compare energy rates from different providers in your area. You may be surprised to find that there are better rates available than what you’re currently paying. Switching providers can lead to significant savings each month on your energy bill.
5. Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans use far less electricity than air conditioners, so use them as much as possible during the warmer months. Just be sure to turn them off when you leave the room, so they’re not wasting electricity needlessly.
6. Take Advantage of Natural Light
During the daytime, open shades and curtains to let in natural light instead of using artificial lighting whenever possible. Not only will you save on your electric bill, but natural light is also better for your health than artificial light sources like fluorescent bulbs.
7. Seal Drafty Doors and Windows
One of the biggest culprits of high energy bills is uncontrolled air leaks in your home due to drafty doors and windows. To prevent this, check doors and windows throughout your home for drafts and caulking or weather-stripping them as needed.
8. Install Low-Flow Fixtures
One easy way to reduce water consumption (and therefore lower your water bill) is to install low-flow fixtures in showers, toilets, and sinks. These fixtures are designed to use less water without sacrificing performance, so it’s a win-win all around.
9. Upgrade Your Appliances
Appliances become much less efficient when they reach the end of their lifetime. If any of your appliances are more than ten years old, consider upgrading them to newer, more energy-efficient models.
10. Don’t Preheat unnecessarily
If you’re like most people, you probably preheat your oven even when it’s not necessary. While it may save time, it also wastes a lot of electricity. So next time you’re cooking, skip the preheating step altogether or only preheat for as long as necessary. Keep an eye on whatever’s cooking so it doesn’t burn!
Reducing home energy consumption is a great way to help the environment and simultaneously save money on utility bills. With these ten tips, you can make small changes that will have a big impact on reducing your carbon footprint while also shrinking your monthly expenses. So, what are you waiting for? Start saving today!
