Did you know that utility bills take as much as 10% of your annual income? In fact, the average electric bill is over $100 per month!
But you don’t have to accept these high bills as inevitable – there are a few simple things you can do to conserve energy and lower your utility bills in the process.
Keep reading to learn how to lower home energy usage today.
Image by Colin Behrens
Turn Off Your Lights
This one is both the most obvious and most effective in terms of lowering energy usage. How many times have you left a room thinking you were coming right back, only to come back hours later to find that you accidentally left the light on?
You don’t have to sit in the dark, but make it a habit to turn the lights off any time you walk out of a room.
Use Power Strips
Believe it or not, many electrical devices continue to use power even when they’re not in use. These are known as energy vampires and include everything from your desktop computer to your television to your printer.
The best way to stop these energy vampires in their tracks is to install power strips in high usage areas like behind your desk and the entertainment system. Plug all of your electronics into the strip rather than into the wall, and when you’re done using that area, turn the strip off. You’ll prevent phantom energy loss and save money!
Swap Your Lightbulbs
If you still use traditional lightbulbs in your home, it’s time to make the switch to LEDs. LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient option on the market, using about 75% less energy than their incandescent alternatives.
To make LEDs an even better option, they last around 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. You don’t have to do every lightbulb in your home at once, just make an effort to replace bulbs with LEDs as they go out.
Switch to Energy Efficient Appliances
There’s no question that replacing your appliances is an investment. However, appliances like your water heater and washing machine are among the top energy users in your home.
Because of this, making the switch to energy-efficient options can save you a ton and take you far toward an energy-efficient home. That said, it’s a good idea to reach out to a commercial electrician before you begin to ensure that you have the correct outlets and wiring for your chosen appliances.
Save on Your Home Energy Bill With These Tips
When you make an effort to learn how to lower energy usage in your home, you’re not only doing a great thing for the environment but saving money as well. By making these changes, you’ll find that your home energy bills lower significantly.
Keep in mind that homes with energy-efficiency in mind are worth more as well, making these energy-saving measures a no-brainer.
Interested in learning more about making your home the best it can be? Take a look at the rest of our blog!