Most people can agree that one of the biggest bills they have is their energy bill. The truth is that the more things you have in your house, the more expensive it is to keep everything running.
From your lights to your air conditioning, the average family spends upwards of $1500 per year on their energy bill. It’s in your best interest to lower your bill as much as possible. Take a look at some of the simplest ways to do so.
Seal Doors and Windows
One of the most common culprits for hot or cold air getting in and causing your HVAC system to work harder than it has to is unsealed doors and windows. Make sure that everything is sealed well enough so that unwanted air isn’t coming in. The same goes for your appliances. It’s critical that you ensure that your freezer is keeping the cold air in and not going out into your home.
Lower Your Thermostat
Far too often, people reach for the thermostat before reaching for a sweater. Next time you feel a little chilly, resist the urge to turn up the heat and put on another layer of clothing instead. Adjusting your thermostat by just a few degrees can save you as much as 25% off of your total energy bill year.
Adjust Your Fridge
Check the settings on your fridge and freezer. If it’s any different than 38 degrees in your fridge and zero and five degrees in your freezer, then you might want to make adjustments. The idea is to keep your food fresh but not so fresh that it requires your appliance to work overtime.
Take Shorter Showers
No one is asking you not to bathe yourself; however, you can certainly cut back on the amount of time you shower for. Try trimming back your showers by just a couple of minutes a day, and you will see a huge difference in your total energy bill.
You can also try things like only washing your hair every other day. Doing so won’t just use less water for your shower, but you won’t require a hairdryer at the end of it either—which can be a significant energy sucker.
Wash Your Clothes on Cold
Even though it may be tempting to wash your clothes on a hot setting, you’re not doing your energy bill any favors. Whenever possible, try to opt for a cold load. When you’re washing sheets or towels, you should probably use a hotter wash. However, cotton like T-shirts and socks are perfectly fine on a cold wash.
Change Your Bulbs
Switching to LED bulbs can save you a significant amount of money throughout the year. Consider switching out your old ones for more energy-efficient ones, and you’ll thank yourself later.