The amount of electricity you consume has the largest impact on your energy bill. Luckily, there are a few low-cost ways to reduce your home’s energy usage. Consider a few of these tips from our energy experts.
Unplug unused electronics
Electronics and appliances continue to drain energy when plugged in but not in use; this is called vampire energy. An easy fix for this is to regularly unplug your unused devices. Common culprits include computers, game consoles, toasters, monitors, and more. Try to make a habit of unplugging your devices when you’re done using them. You could also purchase a smart power strip with a timer and power-saving mode so you can set it and forget it.
Turn off the lights
This easy trick can have a huge impact. Lighting accounts for a significant portion of your energy bill. To cut down on this energy consumption, build the habit of turning off lights when you leave the room.
Switch to LED lightbulbs
LED light bulbs use 75% less electricity than incandescent models and have a lifespan of up to 25 times longer. Switching to LED light bulbs is a cheap way to save money and lower your electricity consumption.
Schedule maintenance on your HVAC system
HVAC systems get dirty and build up over time, which causes them to work less effectively. Schedule routine maintenance to ensure your HVAC system works efficiently and doesn’t unnecessarily increase your energy bill. It’s best to schedule this maintenance before summer or winter when you typically rely on heating and cooling more frequently, and when electricity bills tend to increase.
Invest in energy-efficient appliances
While this option isn’t the cheapest way to lower your electricity consumption, it is worth mentioning for its energy-saving opportunity. If you have old appliances nearing the end of their lifespan, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient option. ENERGY STAR is a great option for efficient products backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For example, ENERGY STAR washers and dryers use about 20% less energy than conventional models. Over time, those savings can help you decrease your home’s carbon footprint and save on your energy bill.