Every single day, our four-year-old, Jenn, goes through the house when she wakes up turning on the lights. And every single day, I tiptoe behind her turning them off as I go.
With the electric bill being so high every month, every little bit of energy savings is worth it.
But sometimes turning lights off isn’t an option and many times it feels like the month’s payment is still sky high. So what gives? And what are some actionable energy saving solutions?
First of all, you should know about phantom energy. It’s basically electricity used when an appliance is on standby. For this reason, the very best advice is that if you’re not using it constantly or even regularly, UNPLUG IT.
What You Didn’t Know about Energy Saving at home
It may feel like you’ve tried everything to reduce the cost of your electric bill, and yet you can’t believe how much you’re paying every month. Fortunately, there are a number of surprising energy conservation tips that you might not know about.
Switching your cooking method can save energy
In the winter time and during cold seasons, use your oven to cook. When you’re finished, leave the oven door cracked to allow the heat to fill your house. Ultimately, it kills two birds with one stone by cooking and heating the house, meaning no energy is wasted.
During the warmer months, find alternative cooking methods. Rather than running your oven, consider using your grill outside, toaster, or instant pot to cook your meals.
It will help reduce not only your energy consumption but will also keep your house cooler which … again… reduces your electricity usage.
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Tips before changing Electrical outlets
Use your air conditioner wisely to conserve electricity
The closer you can set your air conditioner to outdoor temperatures, the less energy it will need to run. This goes for any sort of heating and cooling system. Additionally, be sure to keep lights – including from the TV – away from the AC. Your air conditioner may pick up heat from these appliances and work harder to cool your home.
Our thermostat is actually near an external staircase. This means that it typically kicks into gear sooner than the rest of the house. So also be aware of where yours is located and adjust accordingly.
Hot water may be raising your electric bill.
Did you know that heating water can take up to 25% of all the energy that is being used in your home? Lowering your temperature to 120°F can help reduce your overall electric bill.
Make sure your home is sealed and well insulated to reduce energy consumption
This will help ensure that your home doesn’t require as much heat. It may require an investment, but it can save you money in the long run.
More ways to lower your monthly bill
- Take shorter showers
- Handwash dishes by filling one side of the basin with clean warm water.
- Use energy-efficient appliances and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Don’t charge devices that don’t need it (and keep the chargers unplugged).
- Put in insulation around your hot water heater.
- If you have radiators, place reflective paneling and insulation between them and the wall.
- Use thermal window panels.
- Keep rooms closed off to create heat and cool pockets where you’re actually living and working. (You can even pick up tension rods and curtains were there are no doors.)
What ideas do you have to reduce your electric bill?
These are just a few things you may not have known about energy saving tactics at home! Following these tips can help lead to huge savings in the long run, but list any other great savings in the comments.
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