10 Creative ways to save on energy costs
Are your summertime electricity bills astronomical? Check out our list of 10 creative ways to save on energy costs and cut your bill in the summer and all year-round.
1. Plant Trees
If your home has lots of west-facing windows, you’re likely getting loads of sunlight each afternoon, and that’s making your AC unit work harder. Lower your energy consumption by planting trees or large shrubs in front of some of those windows.
2. Go Solar
If you can’t afford to buy solar panels, consider leasing them instead. You will have a set monthly fee which makes budgeting easier year-round. Also, the monthly payment is often 15% less than the local utility rate.
3. Rethink Your Roof
Is your roof dressed in black for 90-degree weather? By installing a sunlight-reflecting “cool roof,” you can reduce your roof’s temperature by up to 60 degrees. This reflection will trim your AC use by as much as 20%.
4. Keep Your Cool
Large, heat-generating appliances can warm up a room quickly. Consider running your washing machine and dishwasher at night or in the early morning when it’s cooler outside.
5. Lighten Up
Replace your light bulbs! By swapping out just five incandescent light bulbs in a high-traffic area of your home to CFL or LED bulbs, you can save $65 on annual energy costs.
6. Seal All Leaks
If your home isn’t a new build, you likely have leaking windows and doors. Caulking regularly shrinks. Structural walls of houses tend to shift with time. To check for leaks:
- Run the match test.
- Shut down your AC unit and close all doors and windows.
- Hold a lit match near the windows and exterior doors of your home. If the flame moves, that will indicate an airflow, which means a leaky seal.
If you’ve got leaks, reseal your windows by weatherstripping the problem areas. A leaky door may need a door sweep replacement. Just peel off the old one and bring it to a home improvement shop so they can help you find a new one that fits your door.
7. Get Smart
By installing a smart thermostat, you will program your home to cool off precisely the times you need.
8. Pull The Plug
Up to 75% of energy consumption by home electronics happens when they are off. Save big by pulling out the plugs when you are finished with your electronics.
9. Fire Up The Grill
An oven cranked up to the standard 350° makes your AC unit work harder. Use your grill for dinner prep. You’ll keep the heat out and enjoy the sunshine at the same time!
10. Laundry Smarts
About 90% of the energy used when doing laundry comes from heating the water. When possible, choose the cold setting on your washing machine. Hanging your clothes to dry will also trim your bill. If you must use the dryer, stick some tennis balls in there to make it more efficient and finish faster.
Your Turn
Now you know the 10 creative ways to save on your energy will, which one will you try first? Do you have an energy-saving hack that keeps your electric bill manageable? Please share it with us in the comments! If you like these tips, check out our MoneySmart Tips blog.
