Homeowners are always looking for ways to save money, and one of the best places to start is with your energy bill. There are a lot of small changes you can make in your daily routine that will greatly impact how much energy you use. Keep reading for some things you can do every day (and some less frequently) to help save money on your energy bill.
Check for Drafts
Checking for drafts in windows and doorways is a simple way to improve your home’s energy efficiency, especially if it’s an older one. A benefit of a new home is that the windows should be nicely sealed, but older homes are likely to have drafts. Not sure how to check for drafts? You can usually just put your hand near a door or window frame and feel a cool breeze, or use a candle and see what the flame does.
One way to make windows more energy-efficient is to apply weatherstripping or caulk around the window’s frame. This will create a seal that will help to prevent air from coming through. By sealing drafty areas, you can help keep cool air in during the summer and warm air in the winter. This can lead to lower energy bills and a more comfortable home.
Use Cold Water for Laundry
Consider your laundry routine if you’re looking for ways to lower your energy bill. Hot water can account for a significant portion of your energy usage, so switch to cold water whenever possible. You’ll still be able to effectively clean your clothes while using far less energy. Additionally, try to wash full loads of laundry instead of multiple small loads. This will help you save both water and energy.
Make Use of Natural Light
Simply making use of natural light can help to lower your energy usage. During the day, open up the curtains and let in the sunlight. You may be surprised at how much light you get and how little you need to rely on artificial lighting. And while that light is at its maximum, consider doing household chores. This way, you can take advantage of natural light and avoid using energy to power lights.
Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Many of us are guilty of leaving our electronics plugged in when we’re not using them, but this can add up to quite a lot of wasted energy called vampire energy. To help lower your energy bill, make it a habit to unplug any electronics you’re not currently using. This includes items like your coffee maker, toaster, and lamp.
If you have multiple electronic devices that you use throughout the day, consider plugging them into a power strip so that you can easily turn them all off with the flip of a switch. You may not think that unplugging your electronics makes much of a difference, but over time, it can add up!
Make Smart Thermostat Adjustments
Homeowners can take several steps to conserve energy and save money on utility bills. One way to do this is to adjust the thermostat to a comfortable (but efficient) temperature when home and turn it up or down when away. You just want to make sure not to set the thermostat to an extreme while you’re away, or the system will have to work harder to return it to normal once you’re back.
Turn Off Lights When You Leave a Room
Leaving the lights on when you leave a room seems like a small thing, but it can have a big impact on your energy bill. When you leave a light on, it uses energy when no one is even in the room to benefit from it. Over time, those wasted watts can add up to a significant increase in your electricity costs. In addition, leaving lights on unnecessarily can also shorten their lifespan. So next time you leave a room, remember to turn off the lights behind you and help save money and energy.
Perform an Energy Audit
While it’s not something you have to do daily, it’s also a good idea to perform regular energy audits of your home. An energy audit is important because it can help to identify areas where your home is losing energy. This information can then be used to make changes that will improve your home’s energy efficiency, resulting in lower energy bills.
An energy audit will include an analysis of your home’s insulation, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. The auditor will also look at your home’s windows and doors to see if they are properly sealed. After the audit is complete, the auditor will provide you with a report that includes recommendations for improving the efficiency of your home.
Replace Your Air Filter
Again, this isn’t something you have to worry about daily, but one of the simplest and most effective ways to increase the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling system is to replace the air filter regularly. For best results, replace your air filter at least once every three months.
A clean air filter allows air to flow freely through the system, preventing it from working harder than necessary to keep your home comfortable. A clean air filter allows your HVAC system to operate more efficiently, using less energy and saving you money.
Use Appliances in Non-Peak Hours
Appliances use a lot of energy, so it’s important to be strategic about when you use them. Running appliances during non-peak hours can help you save energy and money. During peak hours, demand for electricity is higher, so prices are also higher. On the other hand, during non-peak hours, demand is lower and prices are cheaper. As a result, using appliances during non-peak hours can help save money on your energy bill.
Small Changes Can Make Big Savings
You don’t have to make huge changes to see a difference in your energy bill. Take a look at your habits and see where you can cut back on energy use. Making even just a few small changes to your daily routine can have a big impact on how much energy you use—and how much money you spend on your monthly energy bill. Remember, every little bit helps.
