Conserving Energy Tips

Want To Save On Your Energy Bill? This Is How You Do It!

Did you know that the average American family spends around $1,500 a year on energy costs? And that number is only going to go up in the years to come. But there are things we can do to conserve energy and save money. Whether looking to budget for a new home or want to add popular selling features to a home about to be listed, energy efficiency is more important than ever.

In this blog, we will look at how homeowners can conserve energy and save money in ten easy steps. Though it may feel daunting, many of these tips are easy to incorporate into your everyday life.

1. Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs are becoming more and more popular because of their energy efficiency. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, and it is a type of lighting that uses about 80% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs. They also have a much longer lifespan, typically lasting around 25,000 hours. That's compared to 1,000 hours for a traditional incandescent bulb.

The cost of LED light bulbs has come down in recent years, and they are now more affordable than ever. In fact, many utility companies now offer rebates for people who switch to LED bulbs. So if you're looking to conserve energy and save money, switch to LED light bulbs today!

Light Bulbs

2. Washing & Laundry

Did you know that using cold water when washing dishes or doing laundry can save you a lot of energy? In fact, using cold water can save you up to 90% of the energy used when using hot water.

Another way to conserve energy and save money is to run full loads in both dishwashers and laundry machines. This will ensure that you're not wasting energy by running the machines unnecessarily.

3. Don’t peek in the oven

Lookin' means it's not cookin'!

One of the biggest mistakes people make when cooking is opening the oven door to check on their food. This releases heat, and it can take the oven a long time to reach the desired temperature again. So if you're trying to conserve energy, try not to peek in the oven!

4. Use natural light

Did you know that one of the simplest ways to conserve energy is by making use of natural light? By opening curtains and blinds, you can allow sunlight to enter your home and help reduce the need for artificial lighting.

In the summer, it's important to remember to close curtains and blinds during the day in order to keep the heat out. This will help keep your home cooler and save on energy costs.

5. Use a ceiling fan

If you have a ceiling fan, it's important to use it in the summertime to help keep your home cool. The fan should be spinning in a clockwise direction to create a wind-chill effect. This will help cool you down and conserve energy.

In the winter, you can use the ceiling fan to circulate warm air around your home. The fan should be spinning in a counterclockwise direction to push the warm air down.

Ceiling Fan

6. Run appliances at night

It's a known fact that energy costs are lower during non-peak hours. So if you're looking to conserve energy, try running your appliances during these hours. For example, you can run the dishwasher or laundry machine at night. This will help save you money on your energy bill.

Make sure to check with your local utility company to confirm off-peak hours in your area. Some companies will also include weekends as off-peak to help offset rates.

7. Heater/AC Tips

If you're not home make sure to turn off, or down, the heat in the winter, or the AC in the summer, there are a few things you can do to conserve energy.

First, make sure to place your thermostat in a cool, dry place. Do not place it near a lot of heat, as this will affect its accuracy.

Another way to conserve energy is by using a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats allow you to control your home's temperature from your phone or computer. This means that you can save energy by turning down the heat or AC when you're not home.

8. Take Shorter Showers

Shorter showers are a great way to save on energy costs. Not only do they use less water, but they also use less energy. In fact, taking a five-minute shower instead of a 10-minute shower can save you up to $100 a year.

Another way to save on energy costs is by showering during non-peak hours. This will help reduce the demand for energy and save you money in the process.

Shower

9. Unplug Unused Electronics

Homeowners can save a lot of money every year by monitoring and unplugging unused appliances. Appliances that are not in use continue to draw power, which can add up over time. By unplugging unused appliances, homeowners can greatly reduce their energy consumption and save money on their electric bills.

There are a few ways to go about monitoring and unplugging unused appliances. One way is to use a smart meter, which can track energy usage in real-time. This will help you identify which appliances are using the most energy so that you can unplug them.

Another way to monitor and unplug unused appliances is to use a power strip. A power strip allows you to easily turn off multiple devices with one switch. Make sure to plug your power strip into an outlet that is not constantly turning on and off, as this will cause the circuits in the strip to overload.

10. Skip “Heated Dry” On The Dishwasher

One easy step that homeowners can take to conserve energy is to select the air-dry option on their dishwasher. Heated dry does dry quicker, but it uses significantly more energy in doing so. If running your dishwasher at night, there should be ample time for your dishes to dry naturally!

Dishwasher

Homeownership is a big responsibility. Not only do you have to worry about mortgage payments, taxes, and repairs, but you also have to think about energy consumption.

It's important for homeowners to be mindful of the amount of energy they're using and find ways to conserve energy. This not only saves them money on their monthly bills but also helps preserve our planet's natural resources. Conserving energy is something that every homeowner should take seriously, regardless of whether they own a new home or existing build. There are many small steps every homeowner can take to win the battle over excessive energy usage.