The average monthly electricity bill for U.S. residential owners in 2019 was about $115 per month. The growing solar industry has probably reduced that number in more recent years, if not eliminated for homeowners with solar systems.
However, for homeowners who still have energy bills to pay, there are simple things you can do around the house to save energy and reduce your total costs. Keep reading to learn five ways to reduce your energy use.
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Unplug Vampire Devices
Vampire devices are appliances and devices that continue to draw power, even when you’re not using them. Leaving them plugged in allows the device to continue to draw power, resulting in higher energy expenditures.
Make a habit of unplugging devices you’re not using to save electricity. Alternatively, use smart strips with an on and off switch to cut the devices’ power when they are still plugged in but not in use.
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Wash on Cold
Besides using energy-efficient washing machines and dryers, you can reduce the amount of energy you use by washing your clothes on cold.
Consumer Reports found that the average laundry detergent has become so powerful that it is still able to remove stains and dirt at lower temperatures.
Washing your clothes on cold can save you up to 90 percent of the energy you would have used to wash your clothes with hot water.
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Use Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are digital thermostats that allow you to adjust the temperature of your home. These thermostats include smart thermostats like Google Nest, which can be turned off or adjusted from your phone.
The Department of Energy suggests that homeowners can save up to ten percent of their annual energy bill costs by dialing back the thermostat seven to ten degrees from normal temperature settings, every day.
Make the switch to programmable thermostats if you want to save energy and reduce your energy bills.
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Use the Dishwasher
It may seem like dishwashers use a lot of water for each load, but it actually uses only a fraction of the water required for washing dishes by hand.
Like energy-efficient washers and dryers, energy-efficient dishwashers help to reduce energy compared to an older, traditional dishwasher. Turn off the pre-rinse and heated dry setting if you want to cut back on your energy bill even further.
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Use Solar Screens
Solar screens are window screens attached to the exterior of your windows that reduce the amount of heat entering and leaving the home.
During the winter, this means you can reduce the heat you use and spend less on your energy bills. During the summer, less heat enters the home, meaning less strain on your cooling system.
Solar screens are an affordable and worthy investment that will pay itself back on the savings you receive on your energy bills.
Save Energy and Reduce Costs
Of course, there are more ways to save energy and reduce your energy bills. Do your research and find innovative ways to reduce total costs. Any little step you take today can mean saving up to hundreds of dollars per year.
To learn more on how to make your home more energy-efficient, check out our blog for more!
