How to Save Energy at Home

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How to save energy at home

Home energy usage represents a major expense in most Americans’ budgets, and many are looking for ways to save. Rising electricity costs over the past few years have put many homeowners and renters in a pinch.

So, how do you save on energy costs at home? It all comes down to understanding your energy consumption to pinpoint areas you can scale back. Here are our tips to become more energy-efficient and lower your electricity bill.

Save energy on major appliances

Large appliances, such as your dishwasher, laundry machine, and HVAC unit, use a considerable amount of electricity each month. Try these tactics to save energy and money.

Avoid peak times

If you have a time-of-use plan, you’ll pay more for the energy you use during peak hours, which is normally in the afternoon. To avoid peak pricing, run your large appliances overnight or in the morning when demand is lower.

Maintain or upgrade your HVAC system

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), heating and cooling are the largest energy consumers in the average home, accounting for more than 30% of your electricity bill. Over time, your HVAC system can accrue debris or develop leaks — both of which cause your unit to work less efficiently. A well-maintained or newer HVAC system can help you avoid overpaying for heating and cooling.

Minimize heating and cooling

In addition to maintaining your HVAC unit, you can reduce how often you use it. Try setting the thermostat lower to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer. It’s also a good idea to turn it off or down when you’re asleep or out of the house. Most thermostats can be set to a schedule for this purpose.

Use less hot water

On average, water heaters account for 12% of residential electricity bills. Lowering your water heater’s temperature is a quick and easy way to reduce energy usage. You can also use less water by taking shorter showers and turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth.

Wash dishes efficiently

Fill up your dishwasher before running it, but don’t overfill it — this might result in you having to run a second cleaning. Also, consider allowing your dishes to air-dry to save some of your dishwasher’s energy usage. If you don’t have a dishwasher, you can also turn off the water while you scrub your dishes to minimize water usage.

Consider upgrading your appliances

If you’re thinking about upgrading your home’s appliances, invest in an ENERGY STAR-certified model for your large appliances. ENERGY STAR appliances must meet a certain efficiency threshold and can help you save on electricity bills. For example, an ENERGY STAR washer saves 25% more energy and 33% more water. While this can be a large investment, more efficient appliances can save you money in the long run.

Energy-efficient habits to use less electricity at home

In addition to larger investments, there are also some smaller ways to save electricity around the house. Implement these habits to conserve more energy:

• Use LED light bulbs, which last longer and use less energy than incandescent bulbs
• Wash your laundry with cold water and do bigger loads
• Let your clothes air-dry instead of using the dryer
• Use power strips for your at-home office
• Turn off unused electronics such as the TV, game consoles, and monitors
• Use an air fryer or microwave to heat up leftovers instead of the oven
• Check the temperature on your fridge to ensure it’s running efficiently — most fridges work best at 37-40 degrees Fahrenheit

Start saving on energy now

Saving energy at home doesn’t have to be difficult. You can track your electricity usage to see where you can make some small but impactful changes to lower your energy bills. Now that you know how to save on power, you can start taking simple steps today.

If you want to save even more on your energy bill, it may be time to shop for a cheaper rate. SaveOnEnergy can help you compare plans in your area and match you with the best option. Enter your ZIP code on this page or call our team at the number on your screen for assistance.