10 Tips To Help You Reduce Your Energy Costs

Almost everyone wants to save money. Most people also want to help the environment. However, the ability to do both is something we generally look at as an expensive task, discouraging us from truly making the initiative to make the change. However, it doesn’t always have to be.

Believe it or not, there are a few ways you too can save big on your energy expenses without investing a bunch in new appliances or services. In fact, a lot of these tips you can follow immediately, with just a slight shift in developing the habit. That’s why I’m bringing you a few tips so you too can start getting more back. Check it out below:

Replacing Your Outdoor Lighting

If you have an outdoor lawn setup, then looking into replacing your outdoor bulbs to LED is a surefire way to reduce your energy costs. Not only do these burn less, but they also illuminate your walkway to be much more clear. Overall, this is a great strategy to use both in saving, as well as updating the aesthetics of your exterior.

Putting In Low-Flow Toilets

If you haven’t already, then replacing your toilets with low-flowing ones is a noteworthy solution to saving big. According to the EPA, toilets account for 30% of your home’s water consumption, a much more significant number than most would imagine. However, that’s why switching over to a low-flow solution can help a ton.

Installing Solar Panels

While you’ve probably heard the hype behind solar panels for some time now, the technology behind them has gotten much more efficient. As noted by the Department of Energy, the average cost of solar panels has dropped 60% since 2010. Plus, with the tax credits your state might provide, this is practically a no-brainer in savings.

Planting Trees Outside Your Home

Even though it’s going to take a few years to really develop them, planting trees outside your home is an awesome solution to reducing your cooling costs. According to the Department of Energy, the average temperature drop from trees can range between 6-25 degrees Fahrenheit. Overall, this creates a pretty big difference for something with such little effort.

Start Recycling Rain Water

If you find yourself gardening or doing any outdoor work, then recycling rainwater is a must. Not only does outdoor water accumulate to 48.3% of a household’s total water demand, but this is a relatively easy system to set up and execute. All it takes is a large enough bucket and collection system, and then you’re in business.

Change Your Bulbs to Energy Efficient

Energy efficient bulbs have been a mainstay for years now, and it’s easy to see why. These use approximately 25-80% less energy, as well as last 3x longer. All-in-all, these are going to give you the most bang for your buck, so it’s easy to see why so many folks have changed over to using them.

Replace Your Windows

An underrated strategy in saving on your energy bill, replacing your windows to more energy efficient options can help you big time. According to the Energy Department, this practice can reduce heat loss by 10-20%. And while that doesn’t sound like much, that translates to a significant saving on your bill.

Update Your Insulation

Insulation is the core of keeping your house at temperature, so it’s important to check in and see if it needs any updating. Poor insulation can cost you up to 54% of energy lost, which will eat away at your heating/cooling budget much more than it’s worth. Whether you’re renting or buying, check around your attic and crawl spaces to see what shape your insulation is in. Doing so could potentially save you thousands.

Turn The Lights Off Whenever You Leave

Although it’s one of the most common strategies, turning your lights off when you leave the house is always an excellent practice to reducing your environmental impact, as well as the bottom line of your energy bill. This is a simple practice that takes virtually no effort, as well as saves quite a bit.

Shut Off Your Cable Box When Not Watching TV

A hidden energy cost most don’t realize is that your cable box eats away at your electric bill tremendously. Your average cable box uses approximately 446 kW hours a year, more than most fridges. Yes, that little black box beside your entertainment set is draining away on power, even when your TV is turned off, which is why it’s a smart idea to shut it off manually when you’re not watching.