So how do you reduce energy usage and save money? While you may not be able to control factors like how much your electricity provider charges, you can lower your electric bill by getting a free or inexpensive energy audit and making small daily changes, like turning off lights when you aren’t using them and unplugging electronics after you shut them off. You can save up to 30% on your energy bill just by making the suggested changes on an audit!
Here are some other smart ways to reduce your energy usage and lower your electric bill.
THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE
1. INSTALL ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES AND LIGHT BULBS
2. UNPLUG ELECTRONICS TO REDUCE STANDBY POWER LOADS
3. REGULARLY MAINTAIN YOUR HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS
4. CHECK YOUR AREA’S PEAK ELECTRICITY HOURS
5. BE STRATEGIC WITH YOUR CURTAINS AND BLINDS TO CONTROL TEMPERATURE
6. CLEAN OR CHANGE YOUR HVAC FILTERS EACH MONTH
7. LOWER YOUR WATER TEMPERATURE TO 120°
IN THE KITCHEN
8. ONLY USE THE DISHWASHER TO WASH DISHES
9. CLEAN THE TOP OF YOUR REFRIGERATOR – AND THE COILS
10. TURN OFF THE ICE MAKER
A few simple changes can translate to long-term energy cost savings (as well as environmental benefits). While a few solutions require you to make an initial investment, most of the energy-saving habits we mentioned require very little time or money. Once you lower your electric bill with small steps like unplugging your cell phone charger and putting your computer on a power strip, you might find that you’re ready for some of the more ambitious changes that make your home more environmentally-friendly.