Easy Ways to Save on Your Energy Bill This Summer
Imagine it’s the middle of the summer and you are enjoying your air-conditioned home, an ice cold drink, and the muffled sounds of your TV on in the background. You might have a load of laundry in the dryer and perhaps your dishwasher is running. Suddenly it dawns on you – “My energy bill is going to be so high this month!”
We’ve all been there. But don’t worry. With our tips, you can make a few simple changes and manage your energy bill this summer and beyond.
Time of Use
This is first on our list because it can make the most difference! Recently, Xcel switched all their Colorado customers to Time of Use (TOU) Pricing, which means how much you pay is determined by both how much electricity you use and WHEN you use it.
Essentially, the more you can shift your usage to lower-priced periods, the more you can save. The most expensive time to use electricity is the “on-peak period” of 3-7pm on weekdays.
Examples of easy tweaks to your day can be:
- Run your dishwasher before going to bed, not right after dinner.
- Set your thermostat one to two degrees to a higher temperature in the summer.
- Wash and dry your clothing on the weekend.
Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
Speaking of washing and drying your clothes, make sure you are washing your clothes in cold water. With all the cold-water detergents available these days, there is no need for hot water loads.
Get your A/C Checked
Schedule an appointment for an HVAC tech to come out and inspect your air conditioning system. Clearing a clogged A/C unit filter alone can save 5-15% in energy use.
Programmable Thermostat
Use a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your energy bill by automatically adjusting the temperature in your home based on when you are typically home, away or sleeping. This can help eliminate waste and ensure that you are only paying for the heating and cooling that you actually need. One study found that each degree a thermostat is set above 75 degrees Fahrenheit could save 10-15% in energy used!
Upgrade Your Lightbulbs
One of the easiest ways to reduce your energy consumption is by upgrading your light bulbs. LED bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, which can help to lower your energy bills. And remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Unplug Devices When They Are Not in Use
By doing this, you are eliminating “phantom” or “standby” electricity that appliances, chargers, and standard power strips use, even when not in use.
Use Fans Instead of A/C
Ceiling fans and box fans are a great way to save on electric bills. Fans use roughly 1/60th the energy of an air conditioner. But make sure to turn them off when you leave the room. Fans cool people, not rooms, and are useless if you’re not around to feel the chilling effect.
Lower the Temp on Your Water Heater
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends setting your water heater at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding. The lower setting will also conserve energy and save money. Here are step-by-step instructions for how to do this.
Buy Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains, or room darkening curtains, can reduce energy lost through your windows by up to 25%! These can be purchased at almost any home goods store, like IKEA, Target, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
In Conclusion
Every little bit counts when it comes to saving money on your utility bills. At BLVD Builders, we build all our new homes with energy efficiency in mind. Contact us for more information about our new townhomes in Denver at Edgewater Crossing.