10 Tips for Cutting Energy Costs at Home

We all want to save money, and one of the best ways to do so is by reducing the amount of energy we use and waste. Here are 10 Tips for Cutting Energy Costs at Home.

1. Change your light bulbs.

First, Change your light bulbs. Swap out your traditional light bulbs for LED or CFL bulbs. They may be a bit more expensive to buy upfront, but they will use much less energy and last much longer than traditional light bulbs.

2. Unplug electronics when not in use.

Second, unplug electronics when not in use. Many electronics still consume power when they are turned off, so unplugging them when not in use can save you a lot of energy over time. 

TVs, lamps, toasters, and latte machines all use energy when not in use. According to a California study, "About a quarter of all residential energy consumption is used on devices in idle power mode."

3. Use power strips.

Third, you can use power strips. If you have a lot of electronics, you can save energy by using power strips. 

Power strips allow you to turn off all of your electronics at once with the press of a button. 

Some power strips have timer functions as well, which automatically turn off the power supply.

4. Install a programmable thermostat.

Fourth, you might want to install a programmable thermostat. 

A programmable thermostat can help you save energy by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature based on your schedule. 

For example, you can custom set different temperatures for weekdays and weekends.

The device learns what hours people are most active and can use less energy during periods when no one is around, or when people are sleeping, which saves money. 

By programming the temperature controls, you can save 10%-15% on heating and cooling bills too!

And if you would rather stick with your current thermostat, you can simply keep your temperature a little lower in the winter and a little higher in the summer.

5. Buy energy-efficient appliances.

Fifth, another way to save energy is by buying energy-efficient appliances. 

Many newer appliances use much less energy than traditional models, so they can help you save a lot of money in the long run. 

A high-efficiency furnace, for example, can cut 50% of your fuel bill. 

High-efficiency washing machines use 80% less water and can save you 65% of the energy.

6. Insulate your attic and crawl space.

Sixth, you should insulate your attic and crawl space. When you look at the breakdown of heat loss in the home, a quarter of all heat loss is lost through the attic. 

Insulation keeps both cool air and warm air in, which means you save year-round anywhere from 10%-50% on heating and cooling.

7. Update your windows and doors.

Seventh, you might want to update your windows and doors.

If your home hasn't had its windows updated in decades the chances are that they're wasting energy.

Windows and doors typically account for a quarter of heat loss that occurs at home. You'll want to check the weather stripping around your doors and windows, and repair it.

8. Seal cracks and holes in your home.

Eighth, try sealing any cracks and holes in your home. One of the best ways to conserve energy is to seal cracks and holes in your home. This will help keep warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer.

9. Hang your clothes to dry.

Fourth, hang your clothes to dry. Drying your clothes using an electric or gas dryer can use a lot of energy, so try hanging them to dry instead.

Clothes drying racks can not only save you money, but they also help reduce the amount of fade and wear.

10. Keep your AC filter clean.

Lastly, keep your AC filter clean. A clogged or dirty filter will use more energy as your system tries to pull air through. It's like breathing through a straw, and that means working way harder to get what it needs. A dirty filter will mean having a home that might struggle to cool down or warm-up, and your air quality will also suffer as a result.