Enertech Blog

20 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO LOWER YOUR UTILITY BILLS

Written by Carla Morris | Dec 20, 2024 4:01:31 PM

Does paying bills seem like a video game? Just when you think you’ve conquered the beast, you’ve leveled up to a greater challenge and more ferocious adversary. 

Here are 20 strategies you can use to lower your utility bills, plus the approximate percentage range of potential savings for each.* 

  1. Install energy-efficient appliances - Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers can save 10-50%.1 (U.S. DOE & EPA) 
  2. Use LED light bulbs - Switching to LED light bulbs can save 25-80% on lighting costs.2 (Center for Environmental Health) 
  3. Programmable thermostat - Install a programmable thermostat and save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs If it is programmed correctly.3 (Mississippi State Extension Service) 
  4. Seal air leaks - Caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows can save 10-20% on heating and cooling bills.4 (U.S. Department of Energy) 
  5. Upgrade insulation - Adding insulation in attics and walls can help you save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.5 (U.S. Department of Energy) 
  6. Regular air conditioner maintenance - Routine replacement of air conditioner filters can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5-15%.6 (ENERGY STAR) 
  7. Use ceiling fans - Using ceiling fans to circulate air can save 15-30% on cooling costs.7 (Louisiana Department of Natural Resources) 
  8. Install solar panels - Average homeowners could save about $50,000 on electricity over the lifetime of their solar panel systems.8 
  9. Reduce water heater temperature - Lowering the temperature on your water heater thermostat to 120°F can save $36-$61 annually on heat lost from water heater to surrounding area.9 (U.S. Department of Energy) 
  10. Install water-efficient fixtures - Installing low-flow showerheads and faucets can save 25-60% on water usage.10 (U.S. Department of Energy) 
  11. Insulate hot water pipes - Insulating hot water pipes can save 3-4% annually on water heating costs.11 (U.S. Department of Energy) 
  12. Utilize natural ventilation - Opening windows strategically for natural ventilation can save 10-30% in energy consumption.12 (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) 
  13. Shade windows - Installing shades, blinds, or awnings can reduce heat loss through windows by 40%.13 (U.S. Department of Energy) 
  14. Switch to energy-efficient windows - Installing energy-efficient windows saves homeowners 12% on average in heating and cooling costs.14 (Energysavings.com) 
  15. Use smart power strips - Using smart power strips can save up to 10% on electricity bills by reducing standby power usage.15 (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) 
  16. Air dry clothes - Using a clothesline and/or drying racks can save over $200 a year based on five loads per week. 16 
  17. Wash dishes efficiently - An ENERGY-STAR-qualified dishwasher can reduce your energy bill by more than $30 a year.17 (U.S. Department of Energy) 
  18. Cook efficiently - Using a microwave rather than an oven to heat small portions of food can save up to 80% in cooking energy.18 (ENERGY STAR) 
  19. Use energy-efficient landscaping - Planting trees and shrubs strategically for shade and windbreaks can save 25% of the energy a typical household uses to heat and cool.19 (U.S. Department of Energy) 
  20. Opt for an energy-efficient pool cover - Using a pool cover reduces evaporation and can save 50-70% in pool heating costs.20 (U.S. Department of Energy)  

USE THE HEAT BENEATH YOUR FEET: SAVE UP TO 70% ON HEATING AND COOLING 

Geothermal heat pumps, also known as ground-source heat pumps, exchange energy with energy stored in the Earth to keep homes comfortable year-round. 

Homeowners enjoy significant savings compared to conventional HVAC systems. Be inspired by these geothermal HVAC users* . . . 

  • Who save 60% on cooling bills. 
  • Whose average monthly heating/cooling and hot water bill totals $125. 
  • Whose switch from conventional to geothermal HVAC resulted in average annual savings of nearly $4,000. 

* Savings cited are approximate and can vary based on factors such as location, household habits, and specific equipment or conditions. 

References 
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