Saving energy doesn’t have to be difficult, but it’s not automatic. You need to buy energy-efficient appliances and develop energy-wise lifestyle habits.
Here are some easy things to do around the house to save electricity and pare down your energy bill:
- Adjust your thermostat. Even 1 or 2 degrees can add up to great savings.
- When it’s hot outside, keep blinds and drapes closed.
- Install a programmable thermostat to help you save energy while you work and sleep.
- Wash your clothes in cold water and only run full laundry loads.
- Change your air filter to reduce the strain on your heating and cooling system.
- For dinner, choose a meal you can cook in a microwave or slow cooker.
- Keep your refrigerator full, but make sure air can flow between items.
- Examine windows and doors for air leaks. Repair damage or install weatherstripping to prevent heat loss.
- Reduce the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees to save money and prevent scalding.
- Use fans in warm weather to move the air around to make you feel cooler. Turn them off when you leave the room.
- Unplug second refrigerators or freezers if you can’t keep them full. Otherwise, fill vacant space with water or ice.
- Use your clothes dryer’s moisture sensor cycle. This shuts the appliance off when clothes are dry—even if the cycle hasn’t finished.
- As with washing clothes, only turn on the dishwasher when you have a full load.
- Turn off the drying function on your dishwasher and crack the door to allow dishes to air dry.
- Shut off your computer if you will be away from it for more than 20 minutes.
- Unplug cellphone chargers, laptops, TVs and game systems when not in use. If left plugged in, they still use energy. Check out smart power strips to simplify this task.
