You can’t control inflation, but you can control how you spend your money. High utilities are part of everyday expenses. Embracing energy efficiency can significantly reduce your utility bills by optimizing household energy use. But there are some things you can do to lower them. Here are ten simple changes to save over $500 on your utility bills.
Don’t rinse your dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. You waste a lot of water. Modern dishwashers are made to rinse the dishes before they wash, so you rinsing them is unnecessary. Always wait until the dishwasher is full before running it. Reducing water usage also contributes to overall energy savings, as less energy is required to heat the water.
Always wait until you have a full load before washing. Be sure to use cold or warm water when washing. That’s because almost 90 percent of a washing machine’s energy is spent heating the water. Today’s detergents are more than able to remove stains and dirt with cold water. The added benefit is that it also protects your clothes. Incorporating energy efficiency measures like using cold water not only saves on electricity bills but also offers long-term benefits for both consumers and the environment.
Cooling systems that have closed or blocked air vents cause the furnace and air conditioner to work harder to distribute the air. Ensure all the vents are open. Go through your house and note any furniture that’s blocking vents. Try to move it to another location.
Check for leaks around your doors and windows. You don’t need to heat or cool the outside. If you find cracks where air is getting through, caulk and weatherstripping will take care of it. The best scenario is to install new windows or doors. Sealing these leaks can significantly reduce your energy bill by preventing unnecessary energy loss.
A low-flow shower head uses only 2.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm), while older shower heads use as much as 5.5 gpm. This simple switch can save you 25 to 60 percent on your water bill. Additionally, combining low-flow shower heads with energy-efficient appliances can further reduce your utility costs and may qualify you for various tax credits and incentives.
Try to take a five-minute shower instead of that luxurious 15-minute one. You’ll use 37.5 gallons of water taking a 15-minute shower. Use a low-flow shower head and take a five-minute shower to use only 12.5 gallons. This savings adds up on your water bill. Additionally, shorter showers contribute to overall energy efficiency by reducing the amount of hot water used, which lowers energy consumption and costs.
A toilet flapper is a rubber disc or stopper at the bottom of the tank. It’s attached to the chain. Because toilet flappers break down quickly, they should be replaced yearly. They only cost a couple of dollars and can save you money. Additionally, replacing the toilet flapper can contribute to overall energy savings by reducing water waste, which in turn lowers utility bills and enhances the efficiency of your home's water system.
Switching all your lights to LED can save you up to $225 a year. Soon, you won’t have a choice anyway, as the federal Energy Department rules prohibiting the sale of incandescent bulbs went into effect. But get a jump on it and enjoy the savings, as LED lighting is designed to comply with stringent energy efficiency guidelines, ensuring both high performance and energy conservation.
Many appliances and devices use power even when turned off; they sit on standby. This is called “vampire power” and it can run up your electricity bill. But it’s not always convenient to unplug the TV or desktop PC. Use a smart power strip. A smart power strip will cut off the power when the device isn’t in use, helping to reduce electricity bills and providing long-term financial benefits. Another option is using a power strip with a manual on/off switch.
Ask your power company for a time-of-use rate plan. Some utility providers offer better rates during different parts of the day when usage is low. For example, you can do your laundry after seven p.m. when rates are low. Or doing other energy-intensive tasks at off-peak times. By optimizing your energy usage based on these rates, you can significantly reduce your electric bill.
Regular maintenance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial to ensure it operates efficiently and effectively. Neglecting maintenance can lead to increased energy costs, reduced system lifespan, and even safety hazards. Here are some tips to help you maintain your HVAC system:
By implementing these simple changes, you can save up to 20% on your heating and cooling costs and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Proper insulation is essential to reduce heat transfer between the inside and outside of your home, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Here are some tips to help you insulate your home effectively:
By insulating your home effectively, you can save up to 30% on your energy bills and create a more comfortable living space.
Since you can’t save money on many other items in your life, why not save it on your utilities? Take a little time and planning to go through your house looking for energy wasters. Then, change your habits when it comes to showering and doing dishes. Implementing energy saving practices in HVAC maintenance can significantly reduce energy bills and contribute to environmental conservation.
