25 energy-efficient tips to lower electricity costs

Whether you own or rent, using less energy at home can help you save money while you do your part for the environment. This article gives you 25 simple ways to save energy at your home or apartment. Little things like replacing traditional light bulbs with LEDs, unplugging idle electronics or installing a smart thermostat can make a big impact on your energy usage and costs over time.

Heating and cooling optimization

1. Set your thermostat to 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter - every degree of extra heating or cooling will increase energy usage 6% to 8%. Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature than normal will not cool your home faster.
2. Using your ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.
3. Install a smart thermostat that can learn to automatically adjust the temperature according to your schedule.
4. During warmer months, close blinds, shades, and drapes on the sunny side of your home to help keep your home's temperature cooler and reduce the work for your AC. Open shades during cooler months to let the sun warm your home.
5. Dress for the weather. When you're at home, dress in warm clothing in the winter and cooler clothing in the summer to stay comfortable without making your heater and AC work harder.

Kitchen and laundry energy savings

1. Use your microwave instead of your stove when cooking.
2. Don't peek in the oven while baking! Every time you peek, the temperature can drop 25°F, making your oven use more energy to bring the temperature back up.
3. Turn off the oven a few minutes before cooking time runs out. Your food will continue to cook without using the extra electricity.
4. Wash your clothes in cold water if possible.
5. Turn off heated dry on your dishwasher and air dry instead.

Home insulation, ventilation and maintenance

1. Air seal your home. Sealing cracks, gaps, and leaks and adding insulation can save up to 10% on home heating and cooling costs.
2. Clean or replace all filters in your home regularly. Dirty filters make your system work harder and run longer than necessary.
3. Replace your windows. If your home has single-pane windows, consider replacing them with more energy-efficient windows or adding solar shades or tinting film.
4. Don't leave the bathroom or kitchen ventilation fans running longer than necessary. They replace inside air with outside air.
5. Defrost your refrigerator and freezer before ice buildup becomes 1/4-inch thick to ensure your appliances are running efficiently.

Everyday usage habits

1. Using dishwashers and clothes washers/dryers at night will keep the house cooler and reduce strain on the power grid during the peak usage hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
2. Don't leave your mobile phone plugged in overnight. It only takes a couple of hours to charge.
3. Refrigerators and freezers actually operate most efficiently when full, so keep your refrigerator and freezer as full as possible (use water bottles if nothing else). Be careful about overfilling them, as this will reduce airflow and cause the appliance to work harder.
4. Watch your appliance placement. Avoid placing appliances that give off heat, such as lamps or TVs, near a thermostat.
5. Set your refrigerator temperature to the manufacturer's recommendation to avoid excessive cooling and wasting energy.

Small steps for consistent savings

Making your home more energy efficient doesn’t have to mean major renovations or expensive upgrades. Small, consistent changes can add up to big savings over time. By following simple tips like those you've found here, you can start to more consistently lower your electricity costs.