Saving money on energy is good for your wallet and the environment. It’s also a great way to keep electricity prices stable and help protect against future price hikes.
Many things can be done to lower household energy bills, including heating and cooling, lowering water usage, and purchasing appliances with Energy Star labels. This will reduce the amount of fossil fuels used to generate electricity and lower your carbon footprint.
1. Turn off lights
Turning off the lights when not in use is one of the simplest ways to save energy. Not only does it reduce electricity costs, but it also helps to lower carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. It is also a great way to extend the life of your light bulbs.
When it comes to energy efficiency, the type of light bulb you use plays a large role. Incandescent light bulbs are the least efficient, as they use 90% of their energy to produce heat and only 10% to produce light. They also require more frequent replacement than halogen or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs, and they produce more heat when they are turned on and off. Leaving the lights on can also significantly increase your electricity bill, so it’s important to make it a habit to turn them off when you are not in the room.
When participants were asked what they thought was the most effective thing they did or could do to save energy, turning off the lights was their most common response. This may be because participants were aware that this was a cheap and easy action to take, or because they felt that it had the most impact on their current lifestyle. It is possible that gender played a role in this result, as females were more likely to choose this option than males.
2. Unplug appliances
Unplugging appliances when not in use is a simple, effective way to save energy. This tactic also reduces the risk of an electrical fire. Leaving appliances plugged in causes small surges that can damage or overheat electronics. This damage can result in costly repairs and shorten the lifespan of appliances.
Some appliances may be difficult or impossible to unplug, such as coffeemakers, microwaves, and TVs with digital clocks. However, smaller appliances like hair dryers and electric toothbrushes are easy to unplug after each use. Unplugging chargers and media players will save a significant amount of energy as well, even though they aren’t drawing any current from the outlet.
Appliances that are plugged in but not in use use what is called standby power, vampire energy, or phantom load. This energy draws on the circuit and can cost you between 5-10 percent of your electricity bill.
While a single lamp may not use a lot of energy, several lamps left plugged in will. Similarly, many small appliances use a lot of phantom energy, such as electric razors, televisions, and kitchen appliances with digital clocks. This unused energy can add up to a substantial bill over time. Using a power monitor will help you see exactly how much phantom energy is affecting your electricity usage. You can then take steps to minimize it.
3. Install a programmable thermostat
Heating and cooling your home or office takes up a significant portion of most energy budgets. Installing a programmable thermostat is an affordable way to reduce your energy costs by scheduling when your HVAC system will turn on and off so you don’t waste money and time running it when you’re not at home.
There are a variety of programmable thermostats available on the market, so you can choose one that fits your lifestyle and energy-saving goals. Some models allow users to set multiple schedules during the weekday and weekend days, while others offer advanced features like setting vacation plans that help conserve energy when you’re away from your home or office.
Before purchasing a programmable thermostat and attempting to install it yourself make sure you carefully review the model’s manual and any supplemental materials, including installation instructions, wiring requirements, and setup procedures. Always follow safety protocols and double-check all connections to ensure there is no electricity flowing through both circuits (if uncertain, hire a professional electrician).
Once you’ve installed your new programmable thermostat, use it to optimize comfort levels and financial savings. For example, lowering the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can save you as much as 10% on your utility bills and prevents excessive wear on your system. You can also further lower your energy expenses by adjusting your thermostat settings when you’re sleeping or away from home.
4. Replace old appliances
When appliances wear out or break down, they often consume more energy than they should. A simple fix might save you money, but in some cases, it’s more cost-effective to replace an old appliance with a new one that is more energy efficient. Major appliances are some of the biggest energy hogs in your home, and replacing older models with ENERGY STAR-certified appliances can help you save money on electricity bills.
If you’re considering getting rid of a broken appliance because of its high energy usage, be sure to do some math first. Some newer appliances, like washers and dryers, aren’t that much more efficient than their counterparts from a decade ago.
A junk hauler or a professional recycler will be able to dispose of your appliance safely. This is important because many of these items contain flammable liquids and chemicals, as well as used oil, mercury, and other toxins that aren’t safe to throw away in regular trash.
Many charities, church groups and thrift stores accept donated appliances for people in need. Donating your old appliances can be better for the environment, and you may be able to get a tax write-off in the process! Be sure to check the EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal program for guidelines about proper disposal. This organization partners with local utility companies that might offer programs to dispose of old appliances.