Best Energy-Saving Hacks

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Top 3 energy-saving hacks to save money on your energy bill

The average U.S. household spends almost $1,800 a year on electricity. And while some of those costs can be attributed to changes in the weather or rising energy prices, there are a few easy things you can do to lower your monthly electricity bill.

Calculating exact monetary values from energy savings is never an exact science. There are several factors to consider, from state-to-state energy rates to usage variability across different times of the year. However, one thing is for certain: By reducing your energy consumption, you can lower your energy bill. Learn more about the ways energy sources power your home at SaveOnEnergy and choose the best energy-saving hacks for you.

Seal drafty window and door frames

If you live in an older home, you may have noticed drafty areas near windows and doors and difficulty in keeping your home consistently at the right temperature.

Warm air leaking into the house during the summer and cold air doing the same thing in the winter can work your HVAC system harder than it needs to. This can rack up the charges on your monthly electricity bill and you’ll pay more than necessary.

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), homeowners can save between 5% and 30% on their home heating and cooling costs by sealing the drafty areas around windows and doors and adding insulation. And you can make these types of home repairs yourself with caulk or window film.

Switch to LEDs

The average U.S. household has more than 40 light bulb sockets. According to the DOE, the average household’s lighting accounts for 20% of its electricity use. But if you’re still relying on incandescent bulbs, you might be overpaying for your light.

The incandescent bulb gives off 90% of its energy as heat rather than light. LED bulbs are much more energy efficient. Not only do they save up to 90% on energy costs and can last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs, but they can also save you money on light bulbs over time.

For instance, a traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb would cost you around $50 over seven years — including the energy usage and the price of replacement bulbs. A 13-watt LED (which is equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent bulb) would only cost you $15.40 over that same seven-year period — a savings of nearly 70%.

In 2007, Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act, which requires all standard incandescent bulbs between 40 to 100 watts to be phased out. Of course, plenty of these types of bulbs still exist in homes throughout the U.S., so if you’re still using incandescent lights, it’s a smart idea to switch over to LEDs to save on your electricity bill.

Unplug unused electronic devices

You may not even notice that many appliances in your home are still using energy even when not in use. This is called “standby power.” (Also called “vampire energy.”) This is the minimum power used when something is plugged in. For instance, even when you’re not using your microwave to heat food, it still draws energy to power other functions, like the digital clock.

Take, for another example, home printers and laptop chargers. These devices may draw around 5 watts per hour when not in use. If you always leave your laptop charger plugged in and your printer on standby mode, you may be overspending on power you’re not even using. If you need more guidance on how to calculate your electronics’ power usage and how much it’s costing you on your energy bill, take a look at our energy consumption calculator.