Everyone knows to turn the lights off when leaving a room, but other simple solutions can significantly impact energy costs. Implementing these tips will take extra time and money, but the long-term savings are well worth it.
Get an Energy Audit
A home energy audit involves an expert looking at your house’s insulation, heating and cooling systems, appliances, and lighting to find areas where you can improve. They may recommend simple changes like replacing old incandescent bulbs with Energy Star ones or more extensive upgrades such as adding insulation and sealing air leaks in your home. These improvements reduce electricity costs, help you fight climate change, and make the planet safer. If you are considering an energy audit, getting started sooner rather than later is important. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of reduced costs and a more efficient home before winter comes around and your heating bills go through the roof. Another thing you can do to lower your energy bills dramatically is unplug your household items. Things like coffee makers and charging cables suck up energy even when they aren’t in use. Unplugging these devices can save you a small amount every month.
Unplug Your Devices
Most people don’t realize that appliances and electronic items continue to use electricity even when turned off. That’s called phantom power. It accounts for 9% to 16% of your home energy bill. The easiest way to reduce phantom power usage is by unplugging devices that you’re not using. This includes appliances with LED displays like TVs and video game consoles that stay in standby or sleep mode or constantly update themselves (like the XBOX one). Also, unplug the charging cables as soon as you finish using them.
Some devices, such as refrigerators and freezers, must remain plugged in so food doesn’t spoil. However, most other kitchen appliances, including coffee makers and microwaves, can be unplugged. Additionally, it’s a good idea to make shared spaces technology-free zones so that family members and coworkers can focus on conversation, relaxation, or work without the distraction of electronic devices.
Unplugging unused appliances not only cuts your energy costs but also helps the environment by reducing carbon emissions. Fewer fossil fuels are burned to generate electricity when unused appliances aren’t plugged in. Plus, unplugging can help with fire safety as appliances and devices plugged into extension cords or outlets are more susceptible to electrical fires when plugged in for long periods. Investing in a power bar with an on/off switch makes this easy, allowing you to shut off all unused appliances simultaneously.
Switch to Energy Star Appliances
Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the environment; it can also save you money in the long run. Upgrading your old appliances with energy-efficient models can significantly lower your electricity bills. This is because newer models use less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gasses.
You can easily find efficient home appliances using the Energy Star label. The label is a symbol backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Choosing appliances and products with the label reduces your monthly electricity costs. In addition, you can help cut greenhouse gasses by reducing the amount of fossil fuels used.
Energy Star appliances have to meet certain benchmarks for performance and efficiency. These include reducing standby power consumption to 3 watts or less, limiting on-mode energy use, and ensuring that TVs and other electronics use at least 20% less energy when in standby mode.
Many states and cities offer rebates or tax credits for purchasing Energy Star appliances. While some of these products might cost more upfront than less efficient models, the payoff is considerable in the long run. They last longer than their non-Energy Star counterparts and require fewer repairs.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Changing your lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to put a dent in your monthly utility bills. From switching to energy-saving appliances to adjusting your thermostat, it doesn’t take much work or money to put a significant dent in your energy bills.
Smart thermostats are a great tool for reducing energy consumption, especially when paired with a smart home system. Many devices available through Focus on Energy’s Online Marketplace integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. They also include geofencing/geolocation, occupancy sensors, and voice control.
To install a new thermostat:
- Start by removing your existing one and disconnecting its wiring.
- Note where each wire comes from to connect the new device correctly.
- Remove the thermostat mount and clean the wall underneath if necessary.
- Attach the new faceplate once everything is connected, which should snap right into place.
Some smart thermostats have energy reporting tools that track your daily electricity usage and help you adjust your temperature to save more money. This feature is especially useful if your utility provider offers a Time-of-Use program.
Singh is an experienced spiritual writer and the resident author at Guruvanee.com. With a deep passion for exploring the mystical aspects of life, Singh delves into various spiritual traditions, philosophies, and practices to inspire readers on their spiritual journeys.