Top 10 easy ways to save energy at home
Top 10 easy ways to save energy at home
Whether you’re looking to reduce energy usage in your apartment or aiming to make your forever home more energy efficient, small changes can have a big impact. With a few quick DIY fixes and simple habit changes, you can conserve energy, save money and help the environment. Get started with these 10 practical tips.
Just about any washer nowadays is more than capable of thoroughly washing clothes in cold water. Up to 90% of the energy used to run a clothes washer is needed simply to heat the water.i By running clothes through cold cycles, you can save a ton of energy and money. You can further enhance the energy savings by air drying your clothes when possible, instead of using a clothes dryer, which requires a large amount of electricity to run. Other ways to save energy with these appliances involve upgrades to the appliance itself, such as making the switch from a top-loading washer to a front-loading washer.
Changing the air filters in our homes isn’t something we often think about, but this simple habit can have a dramatic impact on your home’s energy efficiency and your electricity bill. Around 25% of the energy in most homes goes toward heating and cooling. Changing a clogged or worn out air filter can lower your energy consumption by as much as 15%.ii Small savings like this certainly add up while improving the air quality and healthiness of your home. Be sure to change out your air filter at least every three months for maximum efficiency.
Many people continue to use outdated, conventional bulbs because of their low initial cost. However, most modern bulbs are made to be extremely efficient and to last a lifetime. 12W LED lights use 25% of the energy that conventional incandescent light bulbs use and they last 25 times longer.iii The next time one of your old bulbs busts or burns out replace it with a more energy-efficient LED bulb. It will save you time, energy and money in the long run.
The manufacturer setting on most water heaters is 140°F. Turning the temperature down to 120° can help you save up to $60 a year.iv Don’t worry, 120° F is still hot enough to be sanitary. If you have a dual-element water heater, be sure to set both thermostats (each usually located behind an access door) to the same temperature. This will prevent one from being overworked, which can lead to a burnout. For added savings, install an electric water heater timer to prevent your water heater from running when not in use. If you have an older water heater with an R-value less than 24, get a water heater jacket. Also, explore the advanced energy-saving features of a smart water heater.
You might be thinking: Why a smart thermostat? Isn’t mine already programmable? Yes, your thermostat may be programmable, but smart thermostats take it to another level. By learning your usage habits and temperature preferences, they help you save energy without lifting a finger. Smart thermostats can also automatically adjust when you're away from home, saving you from cooling or warming an empty house. Since HVAC usage is the biggest part of your energy bill, smart thermostats help regulate your AC and furnace so they only run when needed and aren’t overworked. Many smart thermostats can even be controlled through an app so you can monitor and adjust settings right from your smartphone.
Did you know that many electronics and appliances drain energy even when they’re not in use? This type of energy usage is known as standby power or vampire power. Examples of electronics and appliances that use vampire power are your TV, microwave, computer, DVD player and cable box. In fact, many items that use a remote or have an LED display draw power simply by being plugged in. An easy and cheap way to slay these energy vampires is by plugging them into a power strip. A simple flip of the switch ensures all the devices are completely off and not using energy. It’s a good idea to purchase a few power strips for your living room, home office and bedroom so you can turn everything throughout your house off when not in use.
Have you ever noticed the eco button or setting on your dishwasher? Eco mode helps conserve energy by using cooler temperatures and less water, or by heating the water slowly over a longer duration as compared to standard appliance settings. Using eco mode on your dishwasher can help cut energy consumption by up to 30%.v You can also save energy by setting your fridge between 35° and 38° F and your freezer to 0°F, as recommended by energy.gov.vi
When it comes to cooking, avoid using the oven when possible. Instead consider using the grill, toaster oven, microwave, crockpot, air fryer or griddle. You’ll save energy and don’t have to worry about heating up the house. If you do use the stovetop, be sure the reflectors are clean. This allows them to work optimally, reflecting heat upward toward the pans. For additional energy efficiency, match the size of the pan to the size of the burner so heat isn’t wasted.
Have you ever felt a draft when standing in front of your front or back door? Or maybe when you stand near certain windows? These drafts are air leaks and left unrepaired, can impact your energy usage. The good news is that sealing up air leaks is simple and relatively inexpensive. All you need is weatherstripping, a door sweep and caulk. Keep in mind that weatherstripping is best suited for areas where moving parts are involved, whereas caulking is best suited for stationary areas, like around window frames. Both work by creating a tight seal to keep your home leak-free. A well-insulated and leak-free home helps reduce how hard your HVAC system works to maintain the temperature inside your home.
It probably comes as no surprise that your HVAC system is your home’s biggest energy consumer. Typically, 43%vii of a home utility bill goes to heating and cooling. Making sure your HVAC system is running efficiently is essential. Getting an AC tune-up every spring and a heater tune-up every fall is ideal while the weather is moderate. Regular tune-ups ensure your AC and heater are ready for the dog days of summer and frigid winter temperatures.
Yes, you can even conserve energy outdoors. Energy.gov reports that strategic landscaping can slash your home’s AC costs by 15%-50%.viii In hot-humid regions, like southwestern Texas, opt for deciduous trees like maple, elm or oak. They provide excellent shade in the summer, reducing heat gain. Plus, deciduous trees shed their leaves in the cooler fall temps, allowing the sun to provide natural warmth. For additional energy savings of up to 10%, shade your AC unit.ix Just be sure to keep the plants trimmed and your AC unit free of leaves, limbs and other falling debris or overgrowth. Finally, there are two things you can do to conserve water. Group plants with similar watering needs together, and only water your yard between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. or after the sun has gone down to avoid evaporation.
Looking for even more ways to cut energy costs? Smart home devices and advanced energy-saving technologies can take your efficiency to the next level. Consider innovations like smart blinds and shades, home electricity-usage monitors, smart power strips and even smart refrigerators. Check out our Home automation & smart energy blog page for in-depth detail on these devices and more.
Saving energy doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With these quick fixes and simple habit changes, you can make your home more efficient, lower your utility bills, and reduce your environmental impact, all without major renovations. Start small, stay consistent, and watch the savings add up over time.
For example, lowering your water heater temperature can save up to $60 per year,iv switching to LED bulbs reduces lighting energy use by 75%,iii and using eco mode on your dishwasher can cut energy consumption by 30%.v Combined, these quick fixes can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills.
Schedule an AC tune-up every spring and a heater tune-up every fall. Regular maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently, prevents costly breakdowns, and helps reduce energy consumption during peak heating and cooling seasons.
Heating and cooling systems are the biggest energy consumers, accounting for about 25% of home energy use. Improve efficiency by replacing air filters every three months, using a smart thermostat, and scheduling regular HVAC tune-ups. Other high-energy appliances include water heaters, washers, dryers, and kitchen appliances. Lower water heater temperature, wash clothes in cold water, air-dry when possible, and use eco settings on dishwashers and fridges.
i Michael Bluejay: Laundry cost calculator
ii U.S. Department of Energy: Air Conditioner Maintenance
iii U.S. Department of Energy: LED Lighting
iv Energy.gov: Lower Water Heating Temperature
v Choice.com.au: Should you use the eco mode on your laundry and appliances?
vi Energy.gov: Kitchen Appliances
vii Energy.gov: Why energy efficiency matters
viii Energy.gov: Landscaping download
ix Energy.gov: Energy Efficient Landscaping
