If you’re like most property owners, your electric bill is your most expensive utility. However, reducing your energy consumption and reducing monthly costs is not out of reach. From investing in new, energy-efficient appliances and seasonal HVAC maintenance to changing small personal habits such as spending more time outdoors and keeping your showers short, you — and everyone in your household can start contributing to significant savings on your energy bill.
Why Should We Save Electricity?
There are two major types of benefits to conserving energy: economical and environmental. Your bill is based on the amount of electricity you use, so simply lowering your consumption leads to decreased costs.
On an environmental level, saving electricity is important because power primarily comes from non-renewable resources. To produce electricity, power plants burn fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases and toxic fumes into the air. These fumes pollute the environment and harm natural ecosystems, while greenhouse gases contribute to global climate change. According to the EPA, the electricity and heat production sector contributes 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions.
Using less electricity helps reduce the amount of electricity produced by power plants and helps you spend less on your monthly bill. Read on for 101 specific ways to save electricity, thereby lowering your bills and enhancing your contributions to a more sustainable world.
101 Ways to Save Electricity
There are so many ways you can reduce your home or business’s energy consumption and save electricity! We’ve broken them down into five categories:
Introduce these habits and changes into your workplace or home to start reaping the economic and environmental benefits of saving electricity.
No-Cost Methods to Save Electricity
Saving electricity doesn’t have to cost a cent. Here are some basic lifestyle changes and habits you can adopt to save money on your electric bill.
- Turn off the lights every time you leave a room.
- Turn off the air conditioner when you’re not home.
- Use ceiling fans instead of your air conditioning unit, whenever possible.
- Turn off ceiling fans when not in use.
- Power down your electronics like computers and game consoles instead of putting them in sleep mode.
- Unplug electronics you’re not using.
- Spend some of your leisure time away from phones, computers, and other electronic devices.
- Send the kids outside to play.
- Pick up a book instead of browsing Netflix.
- Keep your refrigerator door closed as much as possible.
- Telework as often as possible to reduce commutes.
- Adjust ceiling fan direction seasonally.
- Ask your electric company about incentives and discounts for reducing usage.
- Close your fireplace when not in use.
- Bundle up with blankets and warm clothes during cold months.
- Don’t run hot water in your garbage disposal.
- Use energy-saving mode for window A/C units.
- Use cold water to wash clothes.
- Air-dry clothing instead of using the dryer.
- Air dry your hair instead of using a blow dryer.
- Lower your thermostat in the winter.
- Raise your thermostat in the summer.
- Lower the temperature of your water heater.
- Open curtains to let the sun warm your space.
- Opt for showers instead of baths to save water.
- Keep showers short.
- Only run appliances when they’re full.
- Don’t use heat drying on your dishwasher.
- Make sure your dishwasher is loaded properly.
- Open windows instead of using A/C or fans in mild weather.
- Don’t keep water running while brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Reduce oven usage in warm weather.
- Opt for the microwave over the oven for more efficiency.
- Close curtains and blinds on hot days to prevent excess heat from getting in.
- Turn off stove burners prematurely to use residual heat.
- Rely on your oven light instead of opening the door.
- Dust your light bulbs for a brighter space.
- Keep your refrigerator away from sunlight and other heat sources.
- Replace the door seals on your fridge.
- Change air filters every three months.
- Inspect your insulation.
- Add insulation to your walls and attic.
- Insulate your garage door.
- Clean refrigerator coils regularly.
- Keep the temperature of your refrigerator between 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Seal your chimney.
- Inspect appliances for peak performance.
- Install insulating shades on drafty windows.
- Regularly maintain your heating and cooling systems.
- Dust and clean appliances regularly.
- Get seasonal HVAC inspections to ensure optimal performance.
- Ensure all HVAC ducts are sealed.
- Wrap pipes with insulation to prevent heat loss.
- Consider using a ductless mini-split HVAC system.
- Apply weather stripping.
- Install light-colored roofing.
- Replace home siding with insulated siding.
- Add a flap to your dryer vent.
- Keep your dryer vent clean.
- Clean your humidifier.
- Drain your water heater tank.
- Apply a radiant barrier to your roof deck.
- Buy Energy Star-approved appliances.
- Purchase an energy-efficient water heater.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat.
- Install an energy-efficient exit sign with LEDs.
- Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets.
- Use a scheduled timer for lights.
- Replace lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified CFL bulbs.
- Use LED lights instead of incandescent.
- Use advanced power strips to save energy.
- Use LED lights for holiday decorations.
- Buy a timer for your holiday lights.
- Upgrade to an LED TV.
- Install dimmers on your lights.
- Use motion detectors to control lights.
- Install triple-glazed windows.
- Fix leaky faucets.
- Purchase solar lights for outdoors.
- Opt for OLED tech.
- Install storm windows to prevent heat loss.
- Use eco-friendly chargers.
- Use home assistants to manage electronics.
- Buy smart bulbs that integrate with your smart home assistant.
- Try a smart meter for more control over your energy use.
- Monitor your energy usage with smart home apps.
- Use a smart assistant to turn off TVs and game consoles.
- Schedule timers on space heaters with your smart assistant.
- Choose a smart dishwasher.
- Use smart plugs for scheduling, timing, and monitoring.
- Check phantom energy.
- Check toilets for leaks.
- Unplug appliances when not in use.
- Run an energy audit in your home or business.
- Ensure air vents are unobstructed.
- Keep doors closed to prevent heated or cooled air from escaping.
- Identify air leaks.
- Seal leaks around drafty doors and windows.
- Seal attic air leaks.
- Close gaps around electrical outlets and switches.
Maintenance Activities
Regular home maintenance can lead to big savings on your energy bill. Keeping your appliances and fixtures clean, sealed, and maintained help reduce the risk of costly hazards — and wasted electricity.
Choose Energy-Efficient Equipment
Most new household appliances are built for energy efficiency. Consider upgrading your equipment in the name of quality and to save electricity. The cost differences often pay off in the long run.
Choose Smart Tech
Smart technology like Alexa and Google Home pack powerful features that are not only convenient but energy efficient.
Eliminate Waste and Vampire Power
Some of your appliances may be using energy without you realizing it! Stop paying for electricity you’re not using.
One More Way to Save on Your Energy Bill
The 101st way to save on your electric bill is by using EnergyBot to score the best rate on electricity.
With EnergyBot, you can compare electricity rates in your area to find the best price. It brings transparency and simplicity to the often-opaque world of energy utilities. Just enter your zip code and answer a few questions to start saving. Get started today!
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By Thad Warren
