Lowering your energy consumption at home is a great way to save money. The average monthly utility bill is around $600; however, there are several ways to reduce your bill without purchasing new appliances or HVAC equipment. Learn how homeowners in Port St. Lucie can make their homes more energy efficient and save money while helping the environment.
Five Cost-Free Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill
At-home energy conservation at home can be as simple as adopting technology and mindful habits. By making minor adjustments, households can significantly decrease their energy consumption. Consider these cost-free options to improve your home's energy efficiency.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Home heating and cooling systems account for more than 40% of the average utility bill, so adjusting how you use them is the best way to reduce energy waste. For example, adjusting your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees at night can save you 10% or more on your yearly heating and cooling costs!
2. Unplug unused electronics.
Even when turned off, plugged-in electronics draw a small amount of electricity. Sometimes referred to as “phantom load” or “vampire power,” the power lost to unused electronics adds up. According to one study, the average US household spends about $165 annually powering devices that aren’t in use.
3. Turn down the tank.
Many water heaters have a default temperature setting for many water heaters is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which most homeowners never change. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit reduces the risk of scalding and saves you between 4% and 22% on your energy bills. This translates to as much as $400 in savings per year!
4. Use natural light and airflow.
Harnessing natural resources like sunlight and airflow can boost your home's energy efficiency. You can naturally regulate indoor temperatures by strategically opening curtains during winter days to welcome the sun's warmth and closing them in summer to block its heat.
Additionally, opening and closing windows as needed allows for further temperature control. These simple practices decrease reliance on your HVAC system, promoting energy conservation without sacrificing comfort.
5. Turn off the lights.
Leaving lights on unnecessarily wastes energy and increases your electricity bill. Get in the habit of turning lights off when you leave a room, and take advantage of natural light whenever possible. The exact amount you'll save depends on the types of bulbs you use and how long they're typically on, but over time, you'll see a noticeable difference.
More Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
When it’s time to replace HVAC equipment or older appliances, always choose ENERGY STAR-approved products. ENERGY STAR certifies a host of furnaces, air conditioning units, heat pumps, appliances, and more based on strict energy specifications.
Your local Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air technician will help you determine when to replace your existing HVAC system with a new, energy-efficient model, such as a heat pump. Heat pumps can be up to three times more efficient than traditional gas furnaces, but it may not make financial sense to replace a still-functional furnace.
Read more: Three Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
How Much Energy Does the Average Home Use?
The average US household uses 10,800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year or about 899 kWh monthly. Of course, energy use varies widely by home and by region. Larger homes use more energy than smaller ones, which is one reason energy consumption in the US has steadily increased for decades.
The amount of energy a home uses can be influenced by a number of factors, including how old the home is, the number of people living in the home, what appliances are being used, and the local climate.
Reducing electricity consumption from sources like air conditioning and lighting results in immediate financial savings because electricity typically costs more than natural gas. Therefore, saving electricity not only benefits the environment but also your wallet!
Contact Port St. Lucie’s Energy Efficiency Experts
Improving your home’s energy efficiency is a smart way to lower your monthly expenses. The friendly professionals at Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air offer a range of services, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, to help you achieve these goals.
Call 772-356-1735 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Port St. Lucie, Jupiter, and the surrounding areas.