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Energy bills are one of those monthly expenses you just can't avoid. Knowing how to save energy and taking steps to save more and waste less frees up extra space in your monthly budget for other things.
Here are some energy saving and efficiency tips that can result in significant savings. Some of these energy savers are inconvenient for renters , but many help homeowners and residents.
Tips for saving energy
Use the following 10 tips to save energy and lower your electricity bills :
- Perform regular preventative maintenance on equipment.
- Use energy efficient thermostat settings.
- Turn off your lightbulbs.
- stop emergency power.
- Lower the water heater temperature.
- Be smart when using the device.
- Stop the flow of heat from your home.
- Seal air leaks.
- Upgrade to energy efficient devices.
- Replace or insulate old windows.
Here are some ways to implement these tips that will help you make significant savings.
1. Perform regular preventive maintenance on equipment
The less efficient a device is in operation, the more electricity it is likely to use. This is especially true for home heating and cooling systems . Annual inspection and adjustment of an HVAC system, as well as regular filter changes, can go a long way in keeping it running smoothly.
Refrigerators and clothes dryers are two other appliances that can cost more if not properly maintained. Keep your dryer's lint screen clean and clean the vent tube annually. Cooling coils should also be cleaned regularly and door seals replaced when necessary. Bonus tip: A full fridge and freezer uses less energy to keep cool than under-stocked units.
2. Use energy efficient thermostat settings
According to the US Department of Energy, a homeowner can save 10 percent a year on heating and cooling simply by turning the thermostat to 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit from its usual setting eight hours a day. The smaller the difference between inside and outside temperature, the less energy is consumed.
A programmable thermostat can make it easier to control the temperature in a home. A thermostat programmed with optimal settings at different times of the day can help keep the temperature in the home comfortable and energy bills reasonable.
3. Turn off your lightbulbs
According to the US Department of Energy, LEDs use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. Replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs can save the average homeowner up to $225 per year.
To save even more, use these LED bulbs less. Rely on natural light as much as possible during the day and turn lights off when you don't need them.
4. Stop emergency power
The power consumed by products that are off or in standby mode is known as phantom power or standby power. It accounts for 5 to 10% of household energy consumption. These ghost electronics include gaming systems, televisions, phone chargers, and coffee makers. Placing some of thesedevices on power strips that are easy to turn on and off can save you significant energy.
5. Lower the temperature of the water heater
Water heating is the third largest energy consumer in most households. The optimal temperature for water heaters is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, both in terms of operation and energy efficiency. Those living in colder climates should use a water heating blanket to ensure the tank is well insulated.
6. Be smart about device usage
Reducing device consumption is one of the easiest ways to save energy. Only wash full loads of clothes and dishes. Dry clothes on a cycle that uses an automatic sensor to detect when to turn ceiling fans and lights on and off when you leave a room.
7. Stop the flow of heat from your home
Insulation keeps warm outside air from entering a chilled home and keeps warm air from entering when it's cold outside. Therefore, a well-insulated house stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Ensuring adequate insulation can be a task that is best left to a professional who can assess a home's insulation needs and install additional layers as needed to make the home more energy efficient.
8. Plug air leaks
Air sealing reduces the amount of hot and cold air that escapes from a home, requiring the HVAC system to work harder to maintain the thermostat temperature. Use caulk and sealant to seal cracks and openings, especially around door and window frames .
9. Upgrade to energy efficient devices
Upgrading older devices to newer, more energy-efficient models can be quite expensive upfront. Still, for people who expect to stay in their home for years, this upgrade can deliver significant savings over time. Even the cost of a new HVAC system can be recouped based on the amount of energy wasted by the old unit.
10. Replace or insulate old windows
Replacing windows is another energy-efficient investment with a high initial cost. However, just like upgrading appliances, it can make financial sense for homeowners looking to stay indoors long-term. If you cannot replace windows, it is better to insulate them with blackout curtains or a window insulation set.
Wear
Learning to save energy is useful for those who want to implement energy efficiency and saving measures. Almost any homeowner or occupant can reduce their energy use and utility bills by following these simple tips.
Start small. Get power strips and discover the optimal energy efficient thermostat setting for your home. Then move on to more expensive tasks that result in greater savings. Tenants can even persuade their landlords to make some of these improvements.
Frequently asked questions about saving energy
Here you will find quick answers to frequently asked questions about reducing energy consumption and eliminating waste at home.- How can I reduce energy consumption in my home?
- Reducing energy consumption at home generally means making the house as efficient as possible and using as little electricity as possible. Improving energy efficiency includes replacing older appliances and windows with more energy efficient ones and replacing incandescent light bulbs with LED lights. Using less power is easier and includes tasks like turning off lights and fans when you leave rooms and unplugging power-hungry electronics and chargers when in sleep mode.
- How can I reduce energy waste?
- An important way to reduce energy waste in the home is to ensure that less hot and cold air escapes from the house. Make sure cracks around windows and doors are sealed and HVAC ducts aren't leaking. Also, identify phantom power sources, disconnect them when not in use, and turn off lights whenever possible.
- What uses more electricity?
- Air conditioners and water heaters typically consume the most electricity in homes.
Information is correct as of August 1, 2022.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create accurate, unbiased and timely content. We verify all statistics, quotes and facts against trusted primary sources to ensure the information we provide is accurate. For more information on GOBankingRates' processes and standards, see our Editorial Policy.
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