There are many ways to save on electric bills by making small changes in our everyday lives. Now that many people are working from home, our energy consumption has increased and sometimes doubled. Many Americans are spending at least 20% more of their time at home, which results in more electricity usage. Here are our top ideas for keeping your energy consumption low.
8 DIY Quick Fixes to Start Saving Electricity Today
1. Unplug Electronics for Saving Electricity
It’s a shame to waste energy on things that aren’t in use. It can be easy to forget, so leave a sticky note on the counter or the wall as a reminder to unplug your devices and small kitchen appliances when they’re done charging or you’re done using them.
2. Check Your Air Ducts
Check your air ducts and filters regularly to make sure they’re clean and free of any blockages. Replacing your A/C filters every 45-90 days is important for the health of your ventilation system as well as the health of your family.
3. Keep a Closer Eye on Your Thermostat for Saving Electricity
This may go without saying, but it is important to keep your thermostat at a moderate temperature. Energy.gov recommends keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees in the winter while you’re at home and lowering it while you’re away. In warmer months, turn on a fan or open a window before using the AC, while keeping your home around 78 degrees if you’re inside. If you have a smart thermostat, you can also use its “eco” function to keep your home at a comfortable temperature without running up a high bill.
4. Keep Your Fridge at a Moderate Temperature
Keep your fridge and freezer at their ideal temperature, this can be found online or in your owner’s manual. Keep your fridge at or just below 40° F (4° C). The freezer temperature should be 0° F (-18° C).
5. Run Full Laundry Loads
When you do laundry, make sure you wait until the load is full before running. This ensures that you don’t use excess water or electricity for each cycle that you run.
6. Wash Laundry in Cold Water
For laundry loads that don’t need to be sanitized, wash them on cold settings. This saves you energy to heat the water used to wash your clothes.
7. Check Your Home for Cracks
Check your windows and doorframes for cracks that are letting the elements seep into your home and seal them if you can. This will also prevent mold and other damages to your home.
8. Hand-Dry Your Dishes and Hang-Dry Your Laundry
Towel-drying your dishes is an easy way to save some energy without having to do all the scrubbing by hand. If you’re ready to go another level up, consider also drying your laundry outside or in a very well-ventilated area of your home.
These cost-saving options have the potential to save your family hundreds of dollars per year in electricity bills. But if your home and/or appliances are over ten years old, it may be time to get an evaluation for cost-effective system upgrades that will keep your family safe and save you money in the long run.
Upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and electrical systems will save you money in the long run. If you’re interested in ways to save on your winter energy bill, check out our blog post. Many energy companies offer discounts, loans, and rebates for upgrading to more energy-efficient systems. Contact us today to book your appointment!