18 Tips for Cutting Energy Costs at Home

Energy takes a huge bite out of household budgets, with the typical family spending about $2200 each year on utility bills. Thus, saving energy and saving money go hand in hand. These tips help you save both. Start cutting energy costs by simply following these tips:

1. Installing a programmable thermostat helps minimize inefficient heating. A properly programmed thermostat keeps the heat or AC off while you are at work or asleep to maximize savings.

2. Every degree you lower your thermostat in the winter (or raise it in the summer) can save between 1-3% on your energy bill.

3. Weatherstripping your home seals up gaps around door and window frames, preventing climate controlled air from escaping and wasting energy.

4. Adding insulation to your home can really improve energy efficiency and cut energy costs. Make sure your attic is well-insulated and if you have a basement or cellar, adding insulation to the walls and ceiling can dramatically improve how well your home retains climate controlled air.

5. When you are done with the television or computer, turn them off completely. An idling computer can draw a lot of energy even when it is not really doing anything.

6. Take it a step further by unplugging unused electronics to prevent them from leaching power. Even when they are off, electronics and appliances constantly draw some power, driving up energy consumption without any benefit of its use.

7. Upgrading your home lighting from incandescent to CFL or LED can save about 80% on the lighting portion of your bill.

8. Lower the temperature setting on your water heater by about 10-20°F. You will still get plenty of hot water, but it will really drop the amount of energy needed to maintain it.

9. Only run full loads of dishes or clothes in their respective washers. When necessary, run several loads in a row to capitalize on the remaining heat in these washers.

10. Leaving the water running while brushing your teeth is unnecessary. Keep the faucet off until you need to rinse.

11. Installing an aerator on your faucet can reduce the flow of water through the tap, thus reducing energy use. Low-flow shower heads likewise will reduce the amount of water used while showering.

12. Repair or replace any leaky faucets, shower heads, or constantly running toilets.

13. Landscaping can not only make your yard look beautiful, but energy efficient landscaping can help keep your home cool in the summer, helping you to save on electricity.

14. Walking or biking to run small errands will save on gasoline, reduce air pollution, and help you stretch your legs. If walking or biking are not really practical, try to use public transportation to still minimize your carbon footprint when it comes to transportation.

15. When looking to purchase a new vehicle, look into all-electric and hybrid vehicles instead of standard gas models. You will use less gasoline and may even qualify for energy related tax credits!

16. Any appliance you are looking to upgrade very well may have an Energy Star certified version. Energy Star rated appliances are 20-30% more efficient than uncertified counterparts.

17. Close the curtains on your windows at night during the winter to reduce heat loss through the windows and close them during the day (likely while at work) to minimize solar heat gain, which causes your AC to work harder.

18. Switch to Acacia Energy and start cutting energy costs now!