While policy changes are critical, reducing your energy consumption can also make a significant difference. By using ENERGY STAR appliances, buying smart home technology and making small lifestyle changes, you can save money on your electricity bills.
If your power company offers time-of-use rates, consider running your appliances during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or late at night. Light bulbs that stay on for an hour consume 4 cents per watt, which adds up!
1. Turn off electronics when not in use
While it may seem inconvenient, unplugging appliances is one of the easiest ways to save money on energy bills. It also reduces the risk of electrical fires and extends the lifespan of devices. This tip applies to basic electronics like phone and laptop chargers, stereo equipment, microwaves, and coffee makers, as well as entertainment devices, such as TVs, DVD players, and game consoles.
Many devices draw electricity when they are in standby mode, which can add up to a considerable amount over time. Using an electricity monitor or manually checking each device for a wattage reading will help you identify the biggest offenders. Then, it’s just a matter of making unplugging electronics a habit. The more you do this, the better your home’s energy usage will be.
2. Lower your thermostat
A well-tuned thermostat is essential for keeping your home at a comfortable temperature without driving up your energy bills. However, some homeowners struggle to strike a balance between their family’s comfort preferences and their energy costs.
For every degree a house is lowered, it takes less fuel to reheat that temperature than it does to maintain a higher one. Using your programmable thermostat in the winter to lower your temperature at night can potentially save you up to 10% on your heating costs!
Additionally, if you are going to be out of the house for 8 hours or more, set your thermostat up. It won’t take much energy to heat your home back up again, and it can help you avoid paying for energy while you are gone.
3. Insulate your home
Insulation is one of the best ways to reduce your energy bills. It provides resistance to heat flow, which lowers your heating and cooling costs and improves comfort.
It works by trapping tiny pockets of air, which slows the transfer of heat into or out of your home. It is typically made of fiberglass, cellulose, or spray foam.
You can easily install insulation yourself in places like the attic, walls between rooms, and floors above unheated spaces such as garages. You should also seal any drafts in your home, such as those around windows and doors and dryer vents.
Use a calculator, such as the one provided by Bob Vila, to determine how much and what kind of insulation you need for your home.
4. Wear warm clothes
Wearing warm clothes in winter helps keep you toasty without cranking up the heating. Wearing clothes made from natural materials (wool, cotton) or material blends that use a combination of both can be more cost effective and still provide better heating insulation than polyester. Layering is important as well, so choose a light, moisture-wicking fabric next to your skin and then add a layer of warmth and insulating materials. Wool is good for this because it wicks away sweat, making it a great choice for sportswear.
5. Install a smart power strip
Many electronic devices consume a trickle of electricity even when they are turned off, a phenomenon known as vampire power. These devices can account for 5%-10% of your home’s energy consumption and cost you up to $100 a year. You can combat vampire power by unplugging your electronics or by plugging them into a smart power strip that shuts off the current when they aren’t in use.
Some smart power strips are designed to monitor multiple outlets and cut the current when one of them rises above a certain threshold. Others, like the Aeotec Mini Power Minder, are specifically designed to control a single outlet. The device can be connected to a gateway using either the Z-Stick or the MiniMote. It can also be connected to a 2.4GHz network in EZ mode.
6. Turn off your water heater when not in use
There are many painless ways to save energy, from lowering your thermostat to using a programmable model or simply unplugging appliances. However, many homeowners don’t realize that their water heater consumes a considerable amount of energy as well.
Depending on your electricity rates, turning off the water heater at night may save you two dollars monthly. This may seem like a small savings, but it adds up over time.
In addition, leaving the water heater turned on can result in no hot water when you do use it. Instead, consider installing a programmable water heater timer or setting the thermostat to “vacation” mode (if your unit has this feature). This may save you money without sacrificing the convenience of having hot water when you need it.
7. Install a solar panel
A solar energy system can offset some or all of your home’s electricity needs, dramatically cutting your power bills. But it’s important to consider all the costs associated with going solar, including installation, warranty, maintenance and potential federal and state incentives before making a decision.
To lower the upfront cost of a solar panel, you should shop around and research local companies to find the best options. Compare a wide range of factors, including customer reviews, certifications and Better Business Bureau profiles.
You’ll also want to make sure your home is a good fit for solar panels, and consider adding battery storage to offset energy usage during peak hours. Also be sure to take advantage of solar incentives like net metering and time-of-use rates, which can further reduce your electric bill.