Energy Saving Tips:

1. Use A Power Strip For Chargers, Monitors, And Other Office Devices.

“Phantom Power” is a secret wallet killer. Devices like monitors, charger cables, and even lamps draw a small amount of power even when not in use. By attaching these devices to a power bar, you can switch off the bar when you’re not in your office or den to stop them from drawing power when none is needed.

2. Replace Your Most-Used Lights With LED.

We promised low-cost solutions, and we hear you—electric bulbs are expensive. But, just like you wouldn’t worry about changing the tires of a car you’re not driving, you don’t have to change out every bulb in the house. Start with the ones that you use the most, like your entryway, garage, or kitchen. That way, your costs stay low on lesser-used bulbs while you focus on the real energy (and wallet) killers.

3. Low-Flow Showerheads.

A water reduction tip in an energy savings list? Hear us out. The real savings are in reducing the amount of power needed to heat your water tank. When a significant portion of your energy budget is going into heating water (up to $225 a year!), the less you need to run your hot shower, the more you save. Remember—low flow means low bills.

4. Defrost Your Refrigerator And Freezer (Then Fill Them).

Feel like your fridge is ripping you off? It might be, but there’s a quick fix! Fridges and refrigerators work best under two conditions. Firstly, when they’re free of ice walls and buildup so that the cooling can distribute itself more effectively. Secondly, they work best when the unit is filled. Don’t want to spend extra on groceries? No problem! Just fill empty bottles or milk jugs with water and store them in the freezer to help the unit run as cost-effectively as it was designed to.

5. Seal Cracks, Gaps, And Leaks.

When your heating and cooling bills are all over the place, you might wonder if you need to replace your whole furnace. Maybe not! Even small cracks can allow in hot air during hot months and cold air during cold months. This makes for higher bills, less efficiency, and less awareness of where your money is going. Patch with plastic, tape, or even small boards until you can find a more permanent solution. Even a little here can go a long way.

6. Turn Off Lights—It Could Save You 12%.

Your parents were right—turn down the lights! Household lighting makes up 12% of your monthly electricity bill, and there is a lot you can do to bring that number (and the associated costs) down. Besides checking rooms when you leave, you can install smart devices that allow you to turn appliances on and off remotely, or set your home to only illuminate when you’re in the room. Savings can be set-and-forget!

7. Move Your Appliances Away From The Thermostat.

This one surprises even veteran savers! Be mindful of where your thermostat is placed. If it is located near ovens, dehumidifiers, vents, or other heat-generating devices, it may incorrectly assume your house is hotter than it really is. This causes your A/C to work double-time trying to cool down a system that would run fine in another location! You could be saving hundreds a year with a little extra planning.

8. Replace Air Filters.

Not only does this tip feel great for your wallet, it feels great for your home and lungs. Cleaner air passages for your home mean less energy being spent trying to move air around. It also reduces fire risk, illness, and improves the general quality of your health! Buy your filters in packs and set a reminder on your phone to switch them out every few months—especially as it gets cooler and your heating kicks in.

9. Watch Kitchen / Bathroom Fans—They Bring In Heat.

When you spend so much money keeping your house cool, it doesn’t make sense to bring the hot air inside. Kitchen and bathroom fans are unique in that they exchange inside air with outside air. This makes them great for removing humidity and smells, but terrible for keeping your house cool. Leaving your fans on is like leaving your fridge open to cool the kitchen—not the best use of your household energy. Switch off fans as soon as you can after use to help your home stay cool.

10. Cold Water Washing—Not Just For Water.

Did you know that 90% of the power drawn by your washer goes straight toward heating the wash water itself? While this was a must decades ago, new machines and detergents are perfectly capable of giving your clothes a deep clean without cleaning out your wallet. Consider switching to cold water to help save electricity—the environmental benefits just make this tip even better.