With average monthly utility bills hovering around $600, lowering your energy consumption at home is a great way to save money. Lexington homeowners can make their homes more energy-efficient and reduce their energy bills by making small changes to their daily habits and planning for future appliance upgrades.
How to Save Money on Your Energy Bill (for Free!)
Reducing energy use at home can be easy with technology and energy-minded habits. The average household can substantially lower their average home energy use with minor adjustments. Consider these ways to improve energy efficiency that don’t cost a dime.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Home heating and cooling systems account for more than 40% of the average utility bill, so adjusting how you use them is the best way to address energy waste. For example, Adjusting your thermostat at night by7 to 10 degrees can save you 10% or more on your yearly heating and cooling costs!
Better yet, consider installing a smart thermostat to do this work!
2. Unplug unused electronics.
Even when turned off, plugged-in electronics draw a small amount of electricity. Sometimes referred to as “phantom load” or “vampire power,” the power lost to unused electronics adds up; the average US household spendsabout $165 annually powering devices that aren’t in active use.
3. Adjust your water heater temperature.
Many water heaters are set to 140 degrees F by default, and most homeowners never think to adjust them. Lowering your water heater temperature to 120 degrees will reduce the risk of scalding and save you between 4% and 22% on your energy bills—up to $400 a year!
4. Use natural heating and cooling.
Here’s an even simpler way to make your home more energy efficient: Never underestimate ancient technologies like the humble curtain and window. Keep curtains open on sunny days in winter to let in the sun’s heat. During summer, keep curtains closed to keep the sun out. Open and close windows as needed to let nature regulate indoor temperatures. These habits will allow you to use your HVAC system less frequently without discomfort.
5. Turn off the lights.
It’s really that simple. Make it a habit to turn off lights when leaving a room, and try to use natural light from outside as much as possible. Calculating exactly how much you’ll save by doing this depends on the type of light bulb and how long it's left on. Over a year, however, you’ll notice the impact on your energy bill!
More Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
When it’s time to replace HVAC equipment or older appliances, always choose ENERGY STAR-approved products.ENERGY STAR certifies a host of furnaces, air conditioning units, heat pumps, appliances, and more based on strict energy specifications.
One of the best ways to lower your energy bill is to replace inefficient, dated technology with modern equipment. Heat pumps are up tothree times more efficient than traditional gas furnaces. While replacing a functioning furnace may not be financially feasible, your Pro Plumbing Service Co. technician will help you decide when to switch.
How Much Energy Does the Average Home Use?
The average US householduses 10,800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, or about 899 kWh monthly. Of course, energy use varies widely by home and by region. Larger homes use more energy than smaller ones, which is one reason energy consumption in the US has steadily increased for decades.
Other factors that influence home energy consumption include the age of the home, appliance usage, climate, and the number of occupants.
Natural gas usually costs less than electricity, so cutting down on how much power we use for things like AC and lights typically provides the most cost savings for homeowners.
Expert Indoor Air Quality Services in Lexington, N.C.
Pro Plumbing Service Co. is your reliable partner for expert home services in the Lexington and Trinity areas. Our experienced professionals can help you explore ways to improve home energy efficiency and find the most cost-effective ways to breathe easier!
Call 336-892-8105 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, indoor air quality, or plumbing services in Trinity, Salisbury, and the surrounding areas.