With the price of so many goods and services on the rise, here are a few simple ways to reduce your energy bill.
Check for air leaks. Drafty windows and doors can be a huge source of energy loss. Check each of your doors and windows for drafts, and if you feel them, purchase a weatherization kit at your local home improvement store. You can also buy heavy, insulated curtains. If the draftiness is too severe or it’s too dangerous to fix the leaks (such as your second-story windows), call a professional.
- Use LED lighting fixtures. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for 15% of an average home’s electricity use. LED lights “use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.”
- Adjust the thermostat. Adjusting the thermostat is one of the most significant ways you can see savings on your utility bills all year round. In colder months, try setting the thermostat a bit lower. For example, if you normally set it at 72, try 68 during the day and even lower overnight. While at first, these adjustments may feel a bit extreme, your body will adjust, and you will notice savings.
- Check for water leaks. The source for an increased water bill is often found in hidden leaks. Fix any dripping faucets or running toilets. Afterward, if you still suspect hidden leaks, check your meter before going to bed and in the morning to determine an over-usage.
While these changes may be small, over time they will add up to sizable savings.