So many of our monthly bills are out of our hands. Take our internet bill. While we can look for alternative companies to reduce costs, we can’t make daily changes that would lower our bills. Our energy usage, however, is something that we can control. We can make simple adjustments to our daily activities to help reduce usage and maximize energy savings.
Most power companies send out a monthly or quarterly energy report that compares how efficient you are compared to households of the same size in your neighborhood. Check this regularly as it frequently gives tips on where you can save a few dollars!
Below are some of the changes I have made over the years that helped me reach my energy savings goals. Implementing just a few of these suggestions can help you save hundreds of dollars annually. And bonus points for helping save the planet along the way!
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Energy Savings Tips
Schedule and Energy Audit
Total Cost – $0
Contact your power company to inquire if they provide this service for free. By following their recommendations, you can significantly boost your energy savings. Most companies offer this service and will inspect your home to identify potential savings. Their suggestions may include any or all of the following:
- Analyze your total home energy usage.
- Check for air leaks.
- Examine insulation levels.
- Review appliances and heating/cooling systems.
While consulting an expert is always ideal, you can also perform your own here
Turn Off Lights When Leaving Rooms
Total Cost – $0
I am terrible at this. My house has very low natural light, and honestly, I just don’t notice sometimes that a lamp is on. But I’m committing to make an effort to switch off every light as I leave a room. You’ll see why next.
The average cost for a 60W bulb is .29/hour. This will vary by local and wattage but for purposes of the example below, we will use this.
.29 (cents) x 4 (lights) x 8 (hours) = $9.28/month = $111.36 in potential annual energy savings!
Check for Air Leaks
Total Cost – Under $100 depending on the size of your house
If you take advantage of a home energy audit we talked about earlier you’ll just need to execute what they suggest to maximize your energy savings. If not, just answer the questions below.
- Do your doors seal all the way? Can you see sunlight through them during the day?
- Can you feel the air around the windows and doors?
- Are the pipes on your external walls sealed completely?
- Can you feel drafts coming from the light sockets on your external walls?
These are all cheap and simple fixes with the addition of weather stripping and adding insulation where needed. You can even pick up socket sealers at most hardware stores for under $10 for a pack of 24.
Sealing leaks and adding insulation can save up to 10% annually on your energy bill.
Keep Windows and Doors Closed When Heating and Cooling Home
Total Cost – $0
Not only is it hard on your heating and air units, but it is real money flying out the door. In the words of everybody’s mother ever, “Were you raised in a barn?”
Invest in Programmable Thermostat
Total Cost – $50 average
According to Energy.com, it’s possible to save almost 10% by adjusting your thermostat 7 degrees -10 degrees for 8 hours a day. The link provided takes a deep dive into what to consider for your situation.
You can still do this manually if you don’t have a programmable thermostat. Make it a habit or set a reminder to change it before you leave the house or go to bed.
Laundry
Total Cost – $0 (new washer/dryer excluded!)
- Wash in cold water when possible. According to the American Cleaning Institute 90% of the energy used when washing clothes is from heating the water.
- Always wash full loads. My mother will wash 5 shirts at a time. She says I over-fill my loads. It’s a constant back and forth but according to Energy Star® washing full loads can save up to 3400 gallons of water a year. You’ll save energy and water costs, but also think of all the time saved!
- If you are in the market for new machines look for ones that are Energy Star® rated. According to Energy.com, they use 35% less water / 25% less energy for the washer, and 20% less energy for the dryer.
- Use the cool-down cycle if your dryer has one. It dries the clothes with the remaining heat.
- Air dry what you can. Even if you don’t have a clothesline, take advantage of the shower curtain rods in your bathroom. This also extends the life of your clothing.
- Always clean the lint filter between uses. Most importantly this prevents fire but can also help with air circulation.
Unplug When Not in Use
Total Cost – $0
Every item plugged into a wall is pulling a small amount of energy, even if it’s turned off. The US Dept of Energy states that 5-10% of residential energy is standby power, meaning it is plugged into a wall in the off position. This can total upwards of $100/year for items NOT IN USE.
Unplug those phone chargers y’all! The use of power strips would come in handy here too so you can shut down multiple items at once.
Lighting
Total Cost – $22-$30 for a 6-Pack
- Invest in LED bulbs. While the up front investment is higher your return on investment is also higher. You’ll save far more in the long run. Adding dimmers and keeping them on the lowest setting possible can save even more.
Check the Rate Schedule for Your Power Company
Total Cost – $0
Some power companies offer rate schedules with discounts for off-peak hours. If your provider does, consider performing high-energy tasks during these times to achieve significant energy savings.
Open Close Curtains
Total Cost – $0
During hot months, keep the curtains closed during the hottest hours to block out heat. In winter, open curtains in front of sunny windows to let solar energy warm your home. However, keep curtains closed over shaded windows and at night to prevent heat from escaping. Investing in insulated blackout curtains could help save even more.
Cooking
Total Cost $0
- Try to use the oven during the coolest hours in the summer. (Do you really need to bake a cake at 2pm in July?) You can also transition to air-fryer or crockpot recipes during the summer months.
- Stop opening the oven! The oven temp can drop by 25 degrees every time it’s opened.
- Keeping the door seal clean will also lessen the chance of the heat escaping.
Lower the Temperature on the Water Heater
Total Cost – $0
Factory settings usually set your water heater to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, Energy.gov suggests that lowering it to 120 degrees Fahrenheit can save you up to $400 annually on energy costs.
Going on an extended trip? Lower the temperature even further while you are away.
Check your dishwasher specs as some require 130 degrees, and people with certain auto-immune diseases may need to stay at 140 degrees.
Check out these Zero Waste Swaps if you want to learn about more ways to save the planet!
Final Thoughts – Energy Savings Tips
In a world where energy costs continue to rise, finding ways to save money on your energy bill is an essential step to cutting costs. From simple changes in behavior to investing in energy-efficient appliances, there are many strategies that can help you reduce your energy usage and save money in the long run.
When looking at possible energy savings I try to equate it to annual savings. By saving just $.50 a day you save $182.50 annually. On my $30/weekly food budget that equals 6 weeks of groceries!
Related: Read here about how I stick to a $30 weekly budget!
Remember, every dollar you save on your energy bill is a dollar you can save for something else. As Benjamin Franklin famously said, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” So why not act today and start implementing these tips to lower your energy costs?
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