Cutting back on your energy use doesn’t require a lot of effort. In fact, most of the things you’re being charged for can be easily avoided. Here are some small ways to save big money.
Unused = Unplug
Whether it’s the toaster, blender, diffuser, space heater or laptop charger, anything plugged in is using energy – even when it’s not in use! We suggest unplugging anything that isn’t used daily. It requires a small amount of effort to plug it in when you do use it, but according to the Department of Energy, the cash savings will add up.
Line Dry Laundry
Dryers use a ton of energy – totaling to approximately 2790 watts at $0.16/kWh in Michigan. If you can, try line drying some of your clothes. It may take more time, but it’s worth the annual savings. You can calculate appliance and energy use here.
Install Ceiling Fans
Air conditioning units are a top energy source for most consumers. By installing ceiling fans, you can help circulate the air in your home without having to crank down the thermostat. Additionally, by adding a ceiling fan to your attic, hot air is reduced, and allows your home to cool off faster.
Dump the Dishwasher
Try handwashing and drying all of your dishes. Unlike your dishwasher, you probably won’t use scalding hot water to wash them. This can significantly affect your energy bill since you are reducing the energy needed to heat the water. You can still wash your dishes with warm water, but it won’t use as much energy as a dishwasher. Plus, you’ll use less water overall.
Half the Heat
Lower your maximum hot water temperature. Most people won’t use the maximum temperature anyway – so this is an easy fix for significant savings.
Programmable Thermostat
Leaving for work? Going to bed? You can use less energy by turning down the heat, turning up the AC, or turning the system off while you’re out of the house or sleeping. The good thing about programmable thermostats is that you can program them to crank the heat or AC a couple of hours before you get home so you come home to a comfortable temperature. Not only does this save big bucks, but it cuts down on energy waste too.
Weather Stripping
The doors and windows may be closed, but there could be some small gaps that are making a big difference in your bill. Use weather stripping to close any gaps in the molding. Air that is escaping or entering will not do any favors for your electric bill. For a cheap solution, it will save you a lot of money in the long-run.
Implementing one or two tips will not significantly reduce your bill, but when you combine them all together, you will start to see a real change. Additionally, if you’re using energy-efficient products and appliances, your utility company may offer rebates and discounts. You can find out here.
How do you cut down on energy use? Let us know!