31 Aug 23 Ways to Conserve Energy & Save Money!

Finding ways to conserve energy and reduce your electric bills can be extremely frustrating because we rely on electricity for so many daily activities. From space heaters to air conditioners to lighting to appliances to TV’s to phone chargers to hair dryers to computers. The list is endless.

Additionally, the typical electric bill is not helpful in identify the products or appliances that use the most energy. Utility bills lack an “opportunities” to save portion. However, if you look through the lens of an energy expert, electric bills do offer some ways to conserve energy.

How?

For example, if we could graph 12 consecutive months of our electric bills, it would help us to know if most of our Kilowatt-hours (or kWh's) are used in the summer (called cooling loads), in the winter (called heating loads) or year-round (called baseloads).

In a home that uses more electricity in the winter and summer months, the electric heating system usage, the cooling system electricity usage, the insulation levels and the home’s air tightness would be examined closely for possible electrical savings.

After that, baseload uses that are used throughout the year such as electric water heating, appliances, lighting and plug loads would be looked at for electrical savings opportunities.

If you simply believe “that’s just how much electricity our house uses” than you are in the right place. You can find ways to conserve energy and reduce your monthly electric bill.

Ways to Conserve Energy

From LED lighting to high-efficiency air conditioning technology enabled plenty of opportunities to conserve electricity. We just need to reach out and grab it.

To start, here are 10 ways to save!

1. Turn off lights when they are not in use. You’ll be surprised how much electricity is wasted because a light or device was unintentionally left on.
2. Replace standard and CFL light bulbs with LED lighting. LED lighting or light–emitting diodes are the most efficient light bulbs you can buy today.
3. Install and use ENERGY Star labeled appliances including refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, dehumidifiers and air purifiers.
4. Stop using old refrigerators and/or freezers in the basement or garage. They are extremely inefficient and cost much more to use than newer models.
5. Televisions, computers, ceiling fans, etc. all use electricity. Any time you are not using these devices, make sure they are turned off.
6. High-efficiency heating and cooling systems will save electricity due to their high efficiency components.
7. Conserving hot water use for homes with electric water heaters will save electricity.
8. Electric space heaters and dehumidifiers are very expensive to use. Using these only when necessary will save substantially on electric costs.
9. Insulating and air sealing your home will save significantly on furnace fan energy usage, electrical heating and air conditioning costs.
10. Pool pumps, hot tubs and jacuzzis can use significant amounts of electricity. Variable speed pumps or smart controllers can save significant amounts of energy for homes with pools or spas. 

There are countless ways to conserve energy. From weekend projects to changing habits, here are some additional ways to save.

Energy Saving Weekend Projects

• Replace Light Bulbs 

Energy efficient light bulbs, such as CFLs and LEDs are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs because they use less energy. Keep in mind that CFLs should be recycled once they burn out.

• Reduce Energy Sucking Devices 

Vampires are a big part of today’s entertainment industry, but don’t let them suck any additional energy from your family. Energy sucking devices (or appliances and electronics that use energy even when they are off) are called vampire devices.

• Change Air Filters

Air filters are a key component of a functioning HVAC system. Air from inside the home is pulled in through it, cooled by the AC, and then supplied to the rest of the home through the HVAC system. The air filter prevents dirt, dust, and other particles from entering your system and moving to other areas of the home, so, if the filter is dirty or clogged, it will reduce airflow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool you down.

• Constant Minor Adjustments 

The little things matter. This is particularly true with finds ways to conserve energy and reduce your monthly utility bills. For example, here some small actions that will help lower your utility bill.

- Reverse ceiling fans (in winter) to push the heat down.
- Place carpets or rugs on bare wood and tile floors.
- Use a humidifier.
- Cook with a crock pot.
- Let dishes air dry.

Energy Saving Habits

• Manage the Home Temperature 

Technology provides simple energy saving tips, such as installing a programmable thermostat that will help manage your home temperature. If you have the heat or A/C on while the family is away, you are keeping your home comfortable for nobody. This also adds to the utility bill and is a huge waste of energy. Install a programmable thermostat to ensure you home is comfortable for you and your family.

A/C use in the summer is a big drag on the monthly bills. However, if you maintain the A/C at a reasonable setting, then you’ll end up keeping your energy bill in check. For example, set the thermostat to 78 because the smaller the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures, the smaller your energy bill.

• Maintain the A/C System 

Many homeowners, particularly new homeowners, likely have energy efficient A/Cs installed in their home. However, simply because the A/C is energy efficient, it still requires maintenance due to normal useage in order to reduce your energy bill.

Find a qualified HVAC technician to inspect your AC system to ensure it is leak-free and operating as efficiently as possible before sizzling summer temperatures arrive. Also, have the tech provide a small training so you know how to clean air filters because this is essential to keeping the AC unit running smoothly during the summer.

• Proper Insulation 

Proper insulation, not only cuts down on excess noise, but more importantly permits better temperature and humidity control in your home, while saving up to 20% on your energy bill. Air will seep through cracks in the attic and walls, so to prevent outside air from leaking into your home – insulate the attic, along with sealing air ducts.

It would be unwise to do the work yourself (unless, of course, you know how) or to hire just anybody to do it. Your best bet is to call a professional to come out and do the work for you. They can make sure the job is done safely and correctly, any leaks are sealed before the insulation goes in, and they can make sure you get the right type of insulation for your home. As important as insulation is, it is more important that it be done correctly.

• Seal Air Leaks 

Leaks in your home will allow the cold air outside to sneak in. Look for areas in your home that are most often the culprits of leaks, such as electrical outlets, door and windows, baseboards, caulking, vents, weather stripping, attic doors, and fireplace dampers. Run your hand over these areas. If you feel the cool air, you may want to have a closer look for cracks, gaps, and damage that may be allowing the air outside in.

You can check for leaks by either looking for cracked caulking or any other gaps or by doing a pressurization test. This test includes turning off all vents and exhaust fans, lighting an incense stick, and moving it over typical leak areas.

• Cover Drafty Windows 

If you have turned down the thermostat, updated your insulation, sealed the air leaks, and you are still cold in your house, the windows might be the problem. You could invest in more energy efficient windows, but if even that isn’t enough, you can cover your windows with heavy plastic on the insides in order to help keep the heat in and the cold out.

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At GHA, we believe in making small adjustments that pay dividends in the long run. To reduce your electric bill, then identify ways to conserve energy that you will remember. Start slow and as your habits change, then you’ll continue to see your energy costs decline!