Around 20 million American households are behind on energy bills, which explains why we’re looking for ways to reduce them.
Learning to minimize energy bills is essential for reducing your carbon footprint and saving you money in the long run. But, if you’re not sure where to start, it’s difficult making the necessary adjustments. Maybe that’s why you’re here; you’re on the hunt for solutions and need a nudge in the right direction.
Sounds like you? Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to reduce energy bills.
Adjust Your Day-to-Day Behaviors
A simple way to reduce your energy bill is by adjusting your daily behaviors. Work together with your household to turn off lights or appliances you’re not using. You should also try performing household tasks manually, such as hanging your clothes on the line or washing dishes by hand.
Get an Energy Audit
Contact your utility supplier for an energy audit. This will tell you where you can save on your bills and if any home appliances are no longer efficient. The beauty is that this simple trick can save you hundreds in a year and help you be more conscious of your energy use.
Swap Out Your Light Bulbs
Another way to slash energy bills is by swapping out your lightbulbs. Look out for CFL bulbs as they provide 10,000 hours of light at a far more affordable price. Although the bulb costs more upfront compared to other models, you’ll save more on electricity, making it a sound investment.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
Replace old machines with energy-efficient appliances, so you can save on your monthly utility bill. Look out for appliances with the Energy Star label as it’s a federal guarantee that it will consume less power, even when on standby. Although you needn’t replace every appliance, consider swapping out your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator.
Add Smart Switches to Lights
Homeowners worried about their lights should invest in smart switches. A great example are motion sensors because they turn off when not needed. A bonus is they ward off thieves, so place them near your front and back door.
Insulate Your Home
Another useful tip is insulating your home. This works by helping your home stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, so you needn’t rely on your HVAC system. To do this, hire a contractor to fill in any gaps in your crawl space and attic because it makes your home more energy-efficient.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
A good rule of thumb is to replace your HVAC system every 10 years for optimal performance. Although it sounds like a costly investment, a robust system can cut your annual energy bill by $100. Aside from this, you should schedule HVAC maintenance every six months to ensure it’s running smoothly.
You should also get in the habit of covering your AC unit in the winter. Otherwise, it will keep the room cool and you’ll end up turning on the heating instead.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Homeowners should be mindful of their thermostat settings. This has risen in popularity because you can set it to automatically turn off when you’re out and reduce the amount of time for heating and cooling. You can even find smart thermostats that indicate when to replace air filters or if there’s a problem with the HVAC system.
Further, you should consider installing a water heater timer. These nifty gadgets let you program when to activate or deactivate it, so you don’t pay for unnecessary heat.
Wear Appropriate Clothes
Although it sounds obvious, many homeowners don’t always wear the right clothes. For instance, bundle up during the cooler months, even if you’re donning a beanie inside. This will stop you from turning on the heating or cranking it up to a high setting.
Install Solar Panels
One of the most underrated ways of slashing energy bills is by installing solar panels. A major advantage is that these benefit all homeowners, regardless of whether you’re in a cool or hot climate. If you want to find a reputable company, then check this out to get started.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
It’s a myth that washing in cold water doesn’t kill bacteria. By simply swapping temperature, you’ll save money as you pay more for the heating. You’ll also find that your clothes last longer because they’re not exposed to damaging heat.
Embrace Natural Light
If you’re guilty of turning on light fixtures during the day, it’s time to stop. Instead, invest in light curtains, so that every room is flooded with natural light. And, if you’re currently searching for a new home, choose a property with north and south-facing windows as it keeps the property warmer in winter.
Replace Old Windows
Old windows waste a huge amount of energy, whether they have cracks in the seal or is poorly glazed. Luckily, you can fix this by either replacing or reglazing windows. The beauty is you can complete this DIY job yourself by removing the current windows than glazing them yourselves.
Try a Power Strip
We often forget that electronics on standby still guzzle electricity. Because of this, you should invest in a power strip as it conserves electricity. Simply, plug your favorite gadgets into the strip and turn them off when they’re no longer needed.
Learn How to Reduce Energy Bill Today
Hopefully, you now know how to reduce energy bills.
There are many useful tips to prevent this, such as changing your daily behaviors and getting an energy audit from your utility provider. Homeowners should also replace any old windows and insulate their homes to save money in the long run. Good luck!
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