Regardless of whether you've received advice from your parents, friends, or the vast resources of the internet, how can you discern what is factual or fictional when it comes to energy-saving tips?
Energy Saving Tip: Lowering your thermostat in colder months will save you money on your energy bill. TRUE
Setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees lower for eight hours each day can help homeowners save 10 percent on their yearly energy bills, as stated by the Department of Energy. In fact, for every degree you reduce, you can save approximately 1 percent on your energy costs. Heating and cooling represent nearly 50% of your annual energy consumption, amounting to about $900 for the average American household each year.
The most effective way to control your heating and cooling is by utilizing a smart thermostat. This device can understand your temperature preferences and automatically modify settings for optimal comfort or energy efficiency, eliminating the need for you to constantly monitor and make adjustments.
Energy Saving Tip: It’s more efficient to hand wash your dishes instead of running your dishwasher. MYTH
It may seem surprising, but running a dishwasher can actually save more energy than washing dishes by hand. Modern appliances like dishwashers are designed to use energy and water efficiently, which in turn helps you conserve both resources and time. Often, it's easy to overlook the significant amount of water flowing from your faucet while hand-washing, and heating that water with your water heater consumes a lot of energy.
According to ENERGY STAR, using a dishwasher that has been certified with the ENERGY STAR label can reduce your utility bills by an average of $210 annually compared to hand-washing. Moreover, ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers are about 20% more energy efficient and 30% more water efficient than standard models.
EXTRA TIP: To save even more money on your electric bill try running your dishwasher on a delay start to run overnight. Most energy providers charge more money to run appliances during peak hours of the day.
Energy Saving Tip: Unplug devices when not in use including chargers. TRUTH
Most consumers do not realize that although you may turn off devices like TVs and lights when you leave a room energy vampires still account for roughly a quarter of your electric bill. So you may be asking what is an "energy vampire" and what can I do about it. Devices in your home that may be consuming power when idle could include computers in sleep mode, TVs, gaming systems, chargers (even with nothing is plugged into them), and even certain kinds of electrical outlets.
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- Get a power strip and flip off the power strip when not using the gadgets.
- Use timers: plugging devices into timers will save you from having to remember to turn things off and on, this could be useful for things like coffee makers or home offices.
- Activate a few power-saving settings: on new TVs select the “home” or “standard” mode when setting up the device. The “vivid” or “retail” options will make your TV overly bright and consume excess power. On your computer, monitor, or game console, disable the screensaver and turn on the auto power down option.
Energy Saving Tip: Running longer cycles on appliances like your dishwasher or clothes washer will use more energy, opt to use the speed cycles. MYTH
While utilizing a "quick cycle" allows your appliance to operate for a shorter duration, quick cycles are designed to save you time – not energy, water, or money. Contrary to what you might think, some of the technologies found in modern appliances may necessitate longer run times, but they can be much more efficient overall.
Energy Saving Tip: Inadequate home insulation, drafty windows and doors rise your energy bill. TRUTH
When considering methods to minimize energy waste in your home, insulation often doesn't come to mind. However, although these elements may seem unrelated, they play a vital role in home efficiency and significantly affect the performance of other home systems. It is estimated that 90% of homes in the US are under-insulated. Unlike issues with air conditioning or water heaters, which are immediately noticeable, poor sealing and insulation can easily go unnoticed.
By sealing air leaks throughout your home including windows and doors, and ensuring proper attic insulation, you could reduce your overall energy consumption by 10-11% and lower your heating and cooling expenses by approximately 15%. These energy savings can be even more substantial in colder climates.
Energy Saving Tip: Shopping for fixed-rate electric supply options can save you money. TRUTH
Securing a fixed-rate electric supply rate with an energy supplier that offers long-term pricing without early termination fees or monthly fees can lead to savings in unpredictable energy markets. Additionally, it offers peace of mind by allowing you to anticipate your average monthly bill. Companies like APG&E provide our customers with flexible and affordable electric supply rates.
