Understanding where your energy dollars go each month will help you keep your head in the game and bench wasted kilowatts around the house. You can use our FREE PowerWise Bill Analyzer to better track your monthly energy usage and get personalized cost-saving recommendations.
Heating & Cooling
Did you know that heating and cooling your home accounts for about half of your
- You can win big by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher in the summer and using a fan to circulate the air to make you feel cooler.
- Don’t forget to replace your air filters regularly and get your A/C unit serviced every year.
Water Heating
Hot water costs can drain the budget, especially if you have an older unit.
- Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the recommended setting of 120 degrees.
- Wash full loads of clothes and use cold water when possible.
- Take shorter showers and use the bathroom vent fan to remove heat and humidity when it’s hot outside.
- Don’t forget to turn the water heater off if you are going to be gone for longer than three days.
Other
This category includes appliances and electronics around your home that quickly add up to more than 20 percent of your total energy usage each month.
- Set your refrigerator at 40 degrees and let food cool before putting it in the fridge.
- Don’t run the dishwasher unless it’s completely full.
- TVs, game consoles and DVRs continue to draw power, even after they are switched off. Use power strips or unplug electronics to save energy.
Lighting
It accounts for the smallest portion of your energy bill but it’s also one of the quickest and cheapest upgrades for your home.
- Switch out incandescent bulbs for high-efficiency Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) or Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
- Keep light fixtures and bulbs clean. Dust absorbs 50 percent of light.
- Turn off any unused lights.
Tags: