The new year is a time to reflect, refresh, and reassess many areas of your life, including your daily energy consumption. In fact, there’s a whole day dedicated to this very issue - “National Cut Your Energy Costs Day”. Celebrated each year on January 10, the observance raises awareness of how homeowners can reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency today and all year round.
There are several big and small ways to cut energy spending and usage this winter while staying warm and comfortable at home.
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Weatherproof. By properly winterizing your home, you can reduce energy loss and save up to 10% in energy costs. Check out our full list of winter weatherization tips.
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Upgrade appliances. When the time comes to replace your next appliance, consider an energy-efficient version for additional energy and cost savings.
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Schedule a seasonal HVAC maintenance. Early spring is an excellent time for an air-conditioning tune-up, while early fall signals the need for a furnace check. Mark your calendar now.
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Order an energy audit. This assessment can help locate areas of energy loss throughout your home and identify ways to make cost-saving improvements.
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Lower the thermostat. The Department of Energy recommends a 68–72-degree thermostat setting during the winter months. Reducing the temperature further, particularly if you are out of town, can help save on energy bills.
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Replace or clean the air filters for your heating and cooling system monthly to avoid clogged filters, which can result in lower energy efficiency.
Additionally, there are some very easy and practical ways you and your whole family can cut energy costs a little bit each day for sustainable, long-term savings, including:
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Take shorter showers.
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Turn off lights when leaving a room.
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Unplug unused appliances.
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Run appliances like dishwashers and washing machines when they are fully loaded.
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Avoid charging phones and devices all night long.
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Use energy-efficient light bulbs.
