More than ever, we can all benefit from saving on our utility bills! No matter your financial situation, a lower electric bill, and a lower water bill is worth the effort. Economists are projecting higher energy prices this fall and winter, in addition to overall inflation. The Energy Information Administration forecasts in its Winter Fuels Outlook that it expects households that heat their homes with oil or gas to experience an increase in cost of 27 percent and 28 percent, respectively, this winter, compared to the 2021/22 season. Yikes!
If energy is going to cost more, it’s definitely worth trying to reduce your usage so your bills don’t balloon on you. With a few intentional choices, you can make your home more energy-efficient which leads to a lower energy bill, bit by bit. With these ten energy-saving tips, start reducing your utility costs right away!
1) Change Your HVAC Filter as Recommended
Having a dirty air filter makes your furnace run less efficiently, resulting in higher electricity bills. Change your filter on schedule (typically around every 4-6 weeks) to keep your heating and cooling systems working efficiently. DiscountFilters offers discount furnace air filters for odor, allergy, pet, or health.
2) Protect Your Hot Water Tank
Did you know you can save 10% on water heating costs by putting a jacket, or blanket, on your hot water tank? According to energy.gov, “Water heater insulation could reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45% and save you about 7%–16% in water heating costs—and should pay for itself in about a year.” With a small investment of around $20, you can see lower energy bills right away.
3) Add a Humidifier to Lower Energy Costs
Check your furnace for a built-in humidifier, and if it doesn’t have one, start using a separate humidifier. Air with more moisture feels warmer, so using a humidifier helps stretch your energy dollars during winter months.
4) Install Filterlock to Lower Utility Bills
You already know that changing your air filters with regularity increases efficiency and extends the life of your HVAC system. Take it next level with AllergyZone FilterLOCK, which eliminates air leakage at the filter slot/door to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Save money and lower utility bills with this simple, magnetic accessory.
5) Buy a Programmable Thermostat to Reduce Utility Bills
Set the temperature for your home according to the seasons and your family’s daily routine with a programmable thermostat. Having the heat set to lower in the winter evenings, or the air conditioning to adjust according to when your family arrives home from school and work are simple changes that add up. Most programmable thermostats save about $180 a year on energy costs.
6) Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Models
Upgrading your appliances to more energy-efficient models is a heavy financial lift on the front end, but the lower electricity bill each month, plus potential local and state government credits that may be available, will offset the expense quite a bit over time. Evaluate which of your appliances may be less energy-efficient and start replacing one-by-one. Over time, you’ll see your utility bills decrease.
7) Replace Your Light Bulbs
ENERGY STAR bulbs use 75% less energy and last much, much longer than compact fluorescent light bulbs. Replace your light bulbs now for a substantial reduction in your lighting energy usage.
8) Add an Irrigation Meter to Lower Water Bill
Most water and sewage companies assume that the water that comes into your house equals the water that goes down the drain, and bill you accordingly. Add an irrigation meter to measure the amount of water you use to water your lawn or top off your swimming pool and this amount can be deducted from the total water coming in.
9) Inline Water Filters Save Money
If you find yourself buying a lot of bottled water, consider using inline water filters in your refrigerator. With cleaner, clearer water at home with Discount Filters, you can reduce your spending on bottled water as well as reduce your plastic consumption. It’s a win/win.
10) Use Windows—A Timeless Solution
This may seem like the oldest trick in the book, but remember to use your windows to save energy! When the weather is mild, open your windows for fresh air and a great temperature. When the weather is cold, consider insulating your windows to keep the warm air inside and the cold air outside.
