As we all know, energy costs take up a considerable portion of our incomes every month. According to a survey, the average American household spends over $4,400 a year on utilities and fuel. So, it’s always a good option to evaluate your energy use to reduce consumption to protect the environment while saving up on your energy bills.
Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your energy consumption low, preventing them from causing a dent in your pocket. Here are ten ways to reduce your energy bills.
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⦁ Switch Off Unnecessary Lights and Appliances
Always turn off your lights and appliances when they are not in use, like when you’re leaving the house or going to bed. Closing your TV or your heating or cooling units through the remote isn’t enough. The main way to save energy is by turning them off at the PowerPoint. Always remember to switch off your computer and other equipment, including printers and Wi-Fi routers, overnight or while you’re away. Moreover, many computers also have energy-saving settings that you can activate to turn the computer screen off after inactivity.
⦁ Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Investing in energy-efficient appliances is an excellent and essential way to save energy, protect the environment, enhance your lifestyle, and save a load of money at the same! The more energy-efficient appliances you use, the lower your utility bills are likely to be. You can easily find energy-efficient refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and computers. The best way to find energy-efficient appliances is to look for the Energy Star Label. Also, you must remember not to increase the use of these items just because they are efficient; consuming more energy will defeat the ultimate purpose.
⦁ Switch To LED Lights
A quick and easy way to reduce your energy consumption is to replace your existing tube lights and incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient and compact fluorescent globes. Opting for LED bulbs can save up to 80 percent of your lighting costs, and they also generally last longer. According to a survey, Energy Star-approved bulbs can save almost $45 for the average American household. However, regardless of bulbs or lights you use, you will have to ensure that you turn them off when you leave the room. Also, for areas, such as the garage, basement, or laundry room, consider installing times that’ll automatically turn the lights off in case you forget.
⦁ Shut Doors And Close Curtains
Heating and cooling typically make up most of your energy bills. Shutting your home doors and cooling or heating the rooms where you spend the most time are great ways to keep your heating and cooling costs low without making your life uncomfortable. During the warmer months, keep your curtains closed during the day or try blocking the sun’s rays from entering through your windows by employed external shadings, such as blinds.
⦁ Employ Solar Energy
What better way to save your money than to employ unlimited natural resources? Solar panels are all the hype right now amongst homeowners. Despite their high investment, solar panels can help you save a ton of money on your energy bills. You can avoid or even completely cut off buying from energy retailers by installing solar panels and using the electricity generated through them.
⦁ Seal And Insulate
Most times, the lack of proper sealing and insulation around your home is the biggest cause of your jacked-up energy bills. The more well-insulation your house, the lesser money you’ll have to spend on heating or cooling. To insulate your house, start by checking your attic. If it appears unfinished, add more insulation to it. Also, try to fill and seal in any house in your exterior walls, especially places where pipes come into the house near doors and windows. Moreover, wrapping up your boiler and exposed pipes with insulation is an excellent way to regulate their desired temperature.
⦁ Save Energy In the Kitchen
The energy consumption of an average home is usually pretty in the kitchen, mainly due to the bulk of appliances. For instance, the refrigerator, one of the most expensive appliances, runs 24 hours a day. The ideal fridge temperature to save electricity and energy is 4 to 5 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the ideal temperature for a freezer is between -15 and -18. Also, besides maintaining the ideal temperatures of these costly appliances, it’s important to check and seal the fridge door tight to prevent any cold air from escaping.
You can also save electricity by putting frozen food in the fridge in the morning to allow them to thaw, which will help reduce your cooking time in the evening. It’s also preferable to use a microwave rather than an electric oven as they use much less energy. Also, try cooking on the stove by keeping the lid on the pot to reduce cooking time. Lastly, always use the economy cycle on your dishwasher and only run it when it’s full.
⦁ Conserve Water
Many low-flow fixtures are easily available on the market for your faucets, showers, and toilets that can help you conserve a lot of water. Besides installing these fixtures around your home, replace dripping faucets, fix leaking toilets, and turn off the spigot while washing the dishes or brushing your teeth.
⦁ Change Or Empty Your Filters
It is imperative for homeowners to regularly change the filter on their furnace. Generally, most furnace manufacturers suggest doing this on a monthly or quarterly basis to ensure that the unit operates at its peak efficiency. Moreover, don’t forget to empty your dryer’s lint filter after each use since even a tiny amount of lint can significantly reduce energy efficiency.
Wrapping Up
Saving energy is not only about saving money, but it’s also about conserving valuable resources. We hope the ways to reduce your energy bills listed above help you do your part to make energy conservation a habit, helping you create a positive impact on the environment and your wallet.
