Saving energy isn’t difficult, but it’s not automatic. You need to plan to buy energy-efficient appliances and to develop energy-wise lifestyle habits.
Here are 15 easy things to do around the house to save electricity and pare down your energy bill:
- Adjust your thermostat. Even one or two degrees can add up to great savings.
- While it’s cold, keep blinds open in the daytime to allow heat in. Close them as it gets warmer.
- Install a programmable thermostat to help you save energy while you work and sleep.
- Wash your clothes in cold water and do only full loads.
- Change your air filter to reduce the strain on your heating and cooling system.
- For dinner, choose a meal you can cook in the microwave or a slow cooker.
- Don’t preheat the oven unless you’re making bread.
- Keep your refrigerator full but allow air to flow between items.
- Examine windows and doors for air leaks. Repair damages or install weather-stripping to prevent heat loss.
- Reduce the temperature on your water heater to 120 F to save money and prevent scalding.
- Unplug second refrigerators or freezers if you can’t keep them full. Otherwise, fill vacant space with water or ice.
- Use your clothes dryer’s moisture sensor cycle. This shuts it off when clothes are dry even if the cycle hasn’t finished.
- Turn off the drying function on your dishwasher and crack the door to allow dishes to air dry.
- Shut off your computer if you will be gone for more than 20 minutes.
- Unplug cell phones chargers, laptop batteries, and other small appliances when not in use.
