Free Ways to Save on Energy Costs This Year –
In today’s world, where energy consumption is a significant concern for both the environment and our wallets, finding free ways to save on energy costs has become increasingly important.
By making simple changes to our daily habits and incorporating energy-efficient practices into our homes and workplaces, we can not only reduce our utility bills but also lessen our carbon footprint. From using energy-saving appliances to improving insulation and implementing smart technologies, there are numerous strategies we can adopt to lower our energy expenses.
In this article, we will explore various tips and tricks to help you save on energy costs effectively and sustainably. You can start saving today without spending a dime!
Unplug Electronics when Not in Use
Many electronics continue to draw power even when turned off. Unplugging them when not in use can reduce energy consumption and lower your energy bill. For example, our airfryer and stand mixer are out on the counter every day; however, we only plug them in when needed. They’re not used every day and therefore don’t need to be plugged in 24/7. When we go away, we unplug even more. Why have the keurig or my cricut machine plugged in when no one will be home for a week?
This also applies to electronics chargers. Unless you’re currently charging your phone or laptop, the chargers don’t need to be plugged in.
Use Natural Light
Open curtains and blinds during the day to let natural light in, and turn off lights in unoccupied rooms. Our living room and kitchen face east, luckily that means I get natural light most of the day and can avoid turning on any lights until later on depending on the season. Take advantage of the parts of your home that get the most natural light at any given time during the day.
Open the Windows
No matter where you live, there are at least a few days a year that are absolutely gorgeous. We are big fans of opening our windows as often as possible. Fresh air has so many benefits, but it’ll also cool your home. You’re also making use of the natural light available during the day. No need to run the air conditioning or turn on extra lights if you have windows open and a ceiling fan running. Opening windows provide you with two free ways to save.
Lower the Thermostat
If I had a dime for every post I saw on social media with people complaining about their heating and electric bills. But, the same people will post photos over the winter with their families in dressed in shorts and t-shirts. I can only wonder what they’ve turned their thermostats up to in order to be so comfortable in the middle of winter.
In winter months, lower the thermostat a few degrees. Don’t go too low, but something you can tolerate. Dress warmly, thick socks, sweatpants, sweaters and sweatshirts. Sit under your favorite heavy blanket, and then take it to bed. You can add an extra blanket on top of your comforter to stay warm overnight. A few degrees can make a big difference on your bill.
Reduce Hot Water Usage
Take shorter showers and use cold water for laundry for instance. We’ve been hearing this for years, because it’s true. Many of us love a long hot shower, and in moderation those are okay. But for daily showers, a great way to save on energy costs in the long haul is to turn the water temp down a tad and get in and out. Those solo concerts in the shower will have to come to a halt.
Most laundry washes just as well in cold water as it does in hot. While hot water can get some stains out better, it can also shrink and fade clothing.
Off Peak Hours
For this one, you’ll have to check with your electric company as off peak hours, but they usually range from 10pm to 5am. These are the times where less people are using electricity, and since the demand is down, so are rates. Why can you do? Off peak hours are a great time to run your dish or clothes washer.
During warmer months, consider running your air conditioner during off peak hours to help keep your home cool. Once your home is cool, you can use fans to keep the cool air flowing during peak hours.
Got an electric vehicle? You can change the settings for charging to charge the vehicle during those off peak hours. Be sure that your vehicle will be charged by then of course, if you need to start charging early or run it a little late, obviously then you must do so. But running the majority of charing during off peak hours will save you.
Off Peak Seasons
Spring and fall are considered off peak seasons. The weather is cooler, people are opening their windows, they’re out and about more enjoying the fresh air. Electricity demand is higher during the summer and winter because of the extreme temperatures and the need for added cooler or warmer air. In the winter, the sun sets earlier and lights go on earlier as well.
But how can you take advantage of these off peak seasons? These are the times of the year you may want to consider using your carpet shampooer or steam cleaner. If you have an electric stove, these are the times of year to consider running your oven cleaner. You’ll also want to have the windows open to cool the house while cleaning your oven, and these are the times of year best to do so. Think of other major deep cleaning projects that require high usage of electricity.
They don’t call it spring cleaning for nothing.
Be sure to check out our other Money posts and see how you can make your money work for you!
Take Advantage of Peak Hours with Demand Response Programs
Demand Response Programs alert their users when energy demand is at a high. Users of these programs then do whatever they can (the steps above) to lower their energy demand. This could mean changing the thermostat temperature to use less heat or AC, turning off extra lights, waiting to wash clothes, and more. We explain all of that, where to find Demand Response Programs where you live (US only), and more in our post- Demand Response Programs.
Free Ways to Save on Energy Costs – Final Thoughts
Making all of these switches will certainly help you save on energy costs. These are methods you’ll be able to start implementing today! It may take a little to see the difference, but we think you’ll be satisfied with the results in a short amount of time.
No one wants to spend extra money. We just hope to provide a list of ways that you can save at home and not send any additional funds to the electric company.
Did You Know? January 10th is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day! There are many ways you can cut energy costs. Do a home assessment today and see what you can do! See more Business/Tech/Money related holiday and observances for January.
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