With energy costs rising and becoming more unpredictable, it’s not surprising that many families are exploring ways to reduce their household energy consumption. With the average monthly utility bills nearing $600 for US households, we’re committed to helping our Atlanta-area customers find smart solutions to your HVAC needs.
From free or passive habits to appliance replacement, learn how to make your home more energy-efficient and reduce your household’s monthly energy use.
How to Save Money on your Energy Bill
Reducing energy use at home can be easy with technology and energy-minded habits.The average household can substantially lower their average home energy use with minor adjustments. Consider these ways to improve energy efficiency that don’t cost a dime.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Home heating and cooling systems represent more than 40% of the average utility bill, so adjusting how you use them is the best way to address energy waste. Adjusting your thermostat at night (turning it up or down by 7 to 10 degrees) 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,” unused electronics add up; the average US household spendsabout $165 annually powering devices that aren’t in use.
3. Turn down your water heater.
Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees F by default, and most homeowners never think to adjust them. Lowering your water heater temperature to 120 degrees will reduce the risk of scalding and save you between 4% and 22% on your energy bills—up to $400 a year!
4. Use natural heating and cooling methods.
Here’s an easy way to make your home more energy efficient:
Keep curtains open on sunny days during winter to let in the sun's heat.
During summer, keep curtains closed to block out the sun.
Open and close windows as needed to allow natural temperature regulation indoors.
These habits will help make your house more comfortable without cranking the heat or AC!
5. Turn off the lights.
Make it a habit to turn off lights when leaving a room, and try to use natural light from outside as much as possible. Calculating exactly how much you’ll save by doing this depends on the type of light bulb in use and how long it's left on. Over a year, however, you’ll notice the impact on your energy bill!
More Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
One of the best ways to lower your energy bill is to replace inefficient, dated technology with modern equipment. For example, heat pumps are up tothree times more efficient than traditional gas furnaces. While replacing a functioning furnace may not make sense, your Cunningham Associates technician will help you decide when it makes financial sense to switch.
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.
Read more: Easy Ways to Combat Poor Indoor Air Quality
How Much Energy Does the Average Home Use?
The average U.S. household consumes about 10,800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, which is approximately 899 kWh per month. However, energy usage can vary significantly between homes and regions. Larger homes typically use more energy than smaller ones, which is just one of many factors contributing to the steady increase in energy consumption over the past decades.
We’re Atlanta’s Home Energy Efficiency Experts!
Cunningham Associates, Atlanta's home energy efficiency experts, offers various home services to simplify your life. From improving your home’s HVAC system to plumbing and more, we’re here to help you make your home run smoothly (and hopefully, save you some money in the process).
To schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and the surrounding areas, call 770-343-7565 or contact us online.