How to Save Energy and Lower Your Utility Costs

With energy rates on the rise and many regions across the U.S. removing electricity rate caps, it’s more important than ever to understand where you use the most energy in your home, how you can reduce your energy use, and ultimately, how to lower your monthly utility bills.

Energy efficiency refers to the ratio of the output to the energy consumed. For example, modern natural gas-fired condensing furnaces achieve efficiencies of 90-96%, meaning most of the energy is converted to heat. Upgrading old appliances to more efficient models can lead to substantial savings, especially considering current energy prices.

Most homeowners don’t actually realize how much energy they consume at home. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2022, the average annual amount of electricity sold to (purchased by) a U.S. residential electric-utility customer was 10,791 kilowatt-hours (kWh), that’s an average of about 889 kWh per month.

Electric utilities bill customers based on kilowatt-hours (kWh) used. A kWh is the consumption of 1000 watts for one hour. For example, running ten 100-watt incandescent bulbs for an hour equals 1 kWh. Switching to energy-efficient options like compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or LED bulbs can result in considerable savings. A 100-watt incandescent bulb, for instance, can be replaced with a 25-watt CFL or a 13-watt LED bulb, offering the same brightness but consuming far less energy.

How to Reduce Household Energy Usage

The highest energy consumers in a household typically include heating and cooling systems, water heaters, and kitchen and laundry appliances. To reduce energy usage, consider taking these actions:

• Using Energy Star Rated Products: Invest in appliances marked with the Energy Star label, especially when replacing older, less efficient models. These appliances are rated for their energy efficiency and can reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills.

• Unplug Appliances: Unplug appliances when not in use to prevent 'phantom' energy consumption, which is when power is drawn from the appliance even though the power is off. These appliances include but are not limited to phone chargers, coffee pots, and printers.

• Install Programmable Thermostats: Use programmable thermostats so you can set temperatures for different times of the day to avoid unnecessary heating or cooling. It’s recommended to keep your thermostat set to auto at all times and have a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 72 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.

• Use Ceiling Fans Instead of A/C: Ceiling fans are designed to cool off people, not homes. Use ceiling fans when you’re looking for cooler air to reduce reliance on your central A/C system. Adjusting the thermostat while using fans can lead to further savings.

• Add Extra Insulation: 90% of homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. Ensure adequate insulation in your home, especially in the attic, to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the home and reduce heating and cooling demands.

Energy Star Program

Several decades ago, the U.S. government established the Energy Star program, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). This program led to substantial savings for Americans in 2008, amounting to around $19 billion in reduced utility bills, according to their website. This program encompasses a broad spectrum of household items, ranging from computers, refrigerators, TVs, to water heaters. Products that adhere to specific energy efficiency criteria for each category are eligible to receive the Energy Star certification and are clearly marked with an Energy Star label.

The Energy Star program collaborates closely with manufacturers, retailers, and homebuilders, to create products and construct homes that are more energy efficient. While initially costly, investing in energy-efficient appliances and systems can lead to long-term savings. Many utility companies offer rebates for purchasing high-efficiency appliances.

In conclusion, managing and reducing energy consumption in our homes is not only essential for comfortability and financial savings, but also for environmental sustainability. The increase in utility costs highlights the need for proactive measures in energy efficiency. By understanding your energy usage, utilizing Energy Star-rated products, and implementing practical changes like upgrading to LED bulbs, using programmable thermostats, and enhancing home insulation, homeowners can significantly reduce their energy consumption and start saving on their utility bills.

Author Bio:

WIN Home Inspection

WIN Home Inspection is the #1 ranked inspection services company in the U.S. and is proud to provide essential home inspection services to home buyers, homeowners and home sellers in 45+ states nationwide.

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