Aside from replacing your appliances with more energy-efficient options, there are a number of behaviors and fixes that can leave you with a lower energy bill each month and can help you reduce your impact on the planet.
1. Reduce the temperature of your water heater
Most water heaters come with a temperature set to about 140 degrees, but you can lower it to 120 degrees and still get a steaming shower. Not only will this save you money, but it will likely eliminate the chance of accidental burns from hot water in your home.
2. Only wash full loads
Whether the dishwasher or the washing machine, you should wait to run a cycle until the machine is as full as it can safely be. This reduces your water and electricity use and is easier on the machine itself. You can also expect fewer repairs, and thus more reduced costs, over the lifetime of the machine.
3. Use smart power strips
Power strips aren’t new, but we suggest upgrading to smart home power strips. Control your power usage and electronics from anywhere in the world, ensuring that even if you forget to flip the switch before leaving the house, your devices won’t be using up energy.
4. Switch to a low-flow showerhead
An affordable option for reducing water consumption is switching to a low-flow showerhead. This is typically cheaper than installing a new faucet or toilet and has the opportunity to make the biggest impact in your bathroom.
5. Start moving to LED bulbs
The cost of switching your entire home to LED bulbs can be intimidating, but replacing burnt-out bulbs with their LED alternatives can pay for itself over the course of a year.
6. Use the microwave to heat food
Many people think of microwaves as a massive power drain, but they typically use less energy to reheat food than a stove or oven. It’s usually still best to opt for the stove when cooking.
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