According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2021, the average annual electricity consumption for a U.S. residential utility customer was 10,632 kilowatt hours. And that energy use costs those homeowners around $122 per month to keep the lights on, the AC humming, and the showers warm. Additional research on energy use over the past couple of years indicates Louisiana had the highest annual electricity consumption while Hawaii had the lowest per residential customer.
Based on a general knowledge of the weather experienced in the southern United States versus the Pacific islands, it’s safe to say the weather can help or hurt your monthly energy costs. As millions of households across the country brace for winter’s falling temps, it’s important to consider ways to keep your home warm while reducing your energy consumption and costs.
1. Triage Your Inefficiencies
First, contact your electric utility company to get an idea of your household’s energy use. Most electric companies can provide this information immediately, letting you know what times of the month you use the most energy and how your energy use compares with that of your neighbors. Consider the information a good resource for adjusting how you use energy on those less efficient days. It could be that you need to re-wear clothing in order to do less laundry. Or perhaps you need to remind your family to close the doors when they enter or leave the home.
Like your utility company, there are also energy efficiency consultants who will come to your home to assess whether or not your home is sealed for success. In addition to adjusting some of your energy-using behaviors, they may recommend some simple improvements like applying weatherstripping or caulk to doors and windows to prevent leaking air.
2. Lighten Your Light Bill
Lighten your bill by changing out and turning off your lights. One of the fastest and easiest ways to experience savings on your energy bill is to swap out your light bulbs for LED lights because they use 90% less energy than traditional bulbs. Once your lighting is updated, remember to turn off the lights at night and when you leave your home for the day.
3. Get Unplugged
Speaking of turning things off, take the extra step to save even more energy by unplugging those subtle, energy-sucking electronics. Even if plugged in, many household appliances and systems still use electricity, known as “phantom load.” Things like printers, toasters, coffee-makers, and other countertop-type appliances that may have an illuminated info panel will all use energy even if they are in power-off mode.
4. Adjust Your Thermostat
Another quick and easy way to start seeing savings on your energy bill is to adjust your thermostat before bed, when you wake, and when you leave your home. Adjusting the temperature to reduce the number of times the unit kicks on to heat or cool your home will save you money.
Speaking of heating and cooling, don’t forget to help your central air system perform its best because, when it does, you’ll spend less on keeping the temperature comfortable. Change out your air filter every 60 to 90 days so your unit can run efficiently. If your filters are filled with dust and dirt, your system will have to work harder and use more energy to push air throughout your home—and this can be expensive.
It will cost you just a little to save a lot on your energy bills. Get ahead of those high gas and electric bills that come with winter by taking these simple steps. To learn more about energy efficiency and conservation, head over to the Energy Information Administration for a list of articles on how to set your home up for energy-saving success.
Links:
https://www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/data/2021/
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-sealing-your-home
https://www.betterhomeguides.com/home-improvement/how-often-to-change-air-filter-in-homes/