Energy bills can take a large chunk out of the household budget. What’s more, they seem like they go up every year. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to start reducing energy bills, and some of them are good for both the environment and your pocketbook. Choose what works for you.
1. Curb Water Consumption
Hot water usage accounts for a significant portion of most homes’ energy bills. We use hot water for everything from bathing to laundry and washing dishes. It’s so ubiquitous in our lives and often taken for granted. Lessening hot water usage can be simple. Some options to try include:
- Using warm or cool water to wash clothes instead of hot
- Turning down the water heater’s temperature setting
- Taking shorter showers
- Replacing your showerheads with more efficient ones
Fixing leaking pipes, faucets, or toilets can also save gallons of water and save money. You may also consider doing laundry and other household chores that require energy at off-peak times when utility companies charge less.
2. Assess Heating and Cooling
Keeping your home’s temperature well-regulated can add up quickly. One way to make sure you’re not spending more than necessary on heating or cooling is to check seals around appliances like fridges and freezers. Inadequate seals can make them work harder, take more energy, and cost you more money each month.
Drafty windows may also cause energy bills to rise if they’re not dealt with. Some homeowners will opt for insulation removal and replacement to ensure their homes are adequately insulated and reduce their home’s energy consumption. Lowering the thermostat even a few degrees is another simple way to save money.
Periodically checking the ductwork for any leaks and fixing those found can ensure there is no wasted energy when heating or cooling your home. You and your family will feel comfortable all year round when your home’s heating, cooling, and insulation are up to par.
3. Upgrade Appliances
Old, inefficient appliances can take far more energy and money to run than necessary. An excellent way to be environmentally conscious and to save money is to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances when it’s feasible. Washers, dryers, fridges, dishwashers, and more have updated, energy-saving versions that can take the place of wasteful ones.
Designated with an Energy Star logo, they’re easy to find when shopping for replacement appliances. They use much less water and energy than conventional options. Replacing one appliance with an energy-efficient model could deliver significant benefits.
4. Get an Energy Audit
If you’re not sure where to start on lowering your energy bill, perhaps an energy audit will help you decide what to work on. Trained professionals often conduct energy audits to ensure accurate information. The auditor will assess each room in the home to see where you could be expending unnecessary energy.
They use tools such as infrared cameras and blowers to check insulation levels and any potential leaks. They also do various other tests, as well. An audit is an investment that will pay for itself.
5. Be Conscientious About Energy Usage
A simple yet overlooked way to save money is changing how you consume energy. Sometimes, we inadvertently waste energy. The good news is that it’s easy to rectify. Small changes can add up to significant savings of both energy and money. Some ways to get started include:
- Using power strips, you can turn them off and on when needed
- Installing energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LEDs
- Using sleep timers
- Unplugging unused electronics
- Using dimmer switches where feasible
With a few changes, your energy bill will drop dramatically. It doesn’t take much to make any home more energy-efficient, and it’s something you won’t regret.
