DID YOU KNOW? every, find, keep, minute, Money, news, Retirement, science, shopping, three, Work September 10, 2024

“14 Energy Hacks You’re Missing That Could Cut Your Bills in Half!”

Ever find yourself muttering every time your electric bill hits like it’s personally come to rob you? Yeah, me too. I mean, seriously—who knew powering a microwave and charging your phone would feel like taking out a small loan? Here’s the kicker though: *a lot* of those energy costs aren’t even necessary. That’s right–we all got a **phantom thief** right in our homes gobbling up energy while we binge Netflix, none the wiser.

So, before you fork over another absurd sum to the energy gods this month, buckle in. It ain’t rocket science, folks. The majority of our power-consuming villains are inefficient habits and janky old appliances. But here’s the good news—making a few minor tweaks can reduce that energy bill faster than you can say “LED bulbs.”

And hey, I get it—*energy conservation* sounds about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But bear with me, because some of these tips are so effortless, you’ll be cutting costs without lifting a finger—okay, maybe just one finger to switch off a few things you didn’t even know were guzzling power. So, let’s dive into **14 ridiculously easy yet game-changing tricks** that’ll shrink your power bill without turning your home into a dark, energy-sucking dungeon.

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The average household’s energy consumption plays a surprisingly large role in their monthly expenses. Energy costs often rank among the top household expenditures, impacting budgets across the country. While rising energy prices are a concern, a substantial portion of our energy consumption often stems from inefficient habits and outdated appliances. By making small adjustments, you can significantly reduce your energy usage and achieve noticeable savings on your monthly bills.

Energy conservation might seem daunting or even insignificant, but the cumulative effect of small changes can be remarkable. This article aims to dispel common myths about energy conservation and present practical advice that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. While some tips may seem familiar, others might surprise you with their simplicity and impact.

If you’re ready to take control of your energy consumption and lower your power bill, let’s explore these 14 game-changing tips that can make a real difference.

1. Illuminate With LED Efficiency

Worker installing lamp on stretch ceiling indoors. Space for text — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Swap out your old incandescent bulbs for modern, energy-efficient LEDs. LEDs consume considerably less energy and also boast a significantly longer lifespan, translating to substantial savings over time.

This seemingly small switch can cut your lighting energy consumption by up to 75%. As an added bonus, LEDs produce less heat, potentially lowering your cooling costs during hotter months.

2. Unplug To Outsmart The “Phantom Load”

Inserting Power Cord Receptacle in wall outlet — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Did you know that many electronic devices continue to draw power even when switched off? Unplugging chargers, appliances, and electronics when not in use eliminates this “phantom load” and can make a surprising dent in your energy consumption.

The Natural Resources Defense Council estimates that this “vampire power” accounts for up to 10% of the average household’s electricity consumption. Unplugging devices can save up to $100 per year.

3. Master Your Thermostat

Woman controlling home temperature with electronic thermostat — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Adjusting your thermostat settings can work wonders for energy conservation. During winter, try lowering the temperature by a few degrees when you’re away or asleep. In summer, raise it slightly. Consider a programmable thermostat for effortless adjustments that align with your schedule.

The U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer. Even a single degree adjustment can save 1-3% on your heating and cooling costs.

4. Weatherproof Your Home’s Envelope

Man Builder Fitting Insulation Into Roof Of New Home — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings to banish drafts and enhance insulation. A well-weatherized home significantly reduces the burden on your heating and cooling systems.

Air leaks can increase a home’s energy loss by up to 30%. Weatherstripping, caulking, and insulation can collectively save up to 15% on energy bills.

5. Upgrade To Energy Star Appliances

Beautiful red-haired woman and bearded man buying a refrigerator in a home appliances and electronics store. Male sales assistant helping a couple choose new appliances for the home. — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

When it’s time to replace aging appliances, opt for models bearing the Energy Star label. These appliances adhere to stringent energy efficiency standards and promise long-term savings that more than compensate for the initial investment.

Energy Star appliances can slash your energy costs by 10-50% compared to standard models. Look for the Energy Star label when shopping for refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and other appliances.

6. Go Cold For Cleaner Clothes

A woman staring at the dirty shirt while washing the cloths — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Heating water consumes the lion’s share of energy used in laundry. Opt for cold water whenever possible to minimize energy consumption without compromising cleanliness.

Washing clothes in cold water can save a staggering 90% of the energy typically used in laundry. Modern detergents are formulated to work effectively in cold water, so you can embrace this change with confidence.

7. Let Dishes Air-Dry

Smiling Young Woman Arranging Plates In Dishwasher At Home — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Instead of relying on your dishwasher’s heated drying cycle, try opening the door after the final rinse and allowing your dishes to air-dry. This simple habit can significantly reduce energy use.

Air-drying dishes can shave off up to 15% of the energy used by a dishwasher. It’s a small change with a tangible impact.

8. Harness Nature’s Shade

Parents with little daughter and labrador puppy resting together on backyard — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Strategically planting trees around your home can create natural shade, reducing the need for air conditioning during the scorching heat of summer.

Trees have the power to lower the temperature around your home by up to 9°F through evapotranspiration. Opt for deciduous trees that shed their leaves in winter, allowing sunlight to passively warm your home during colder months.

9. Maintain Your Appliances

Woman Cleaning Dishwasher — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Keep your appliances clean and well-maintained to ensure they operate at peak efficiency. Dirty filters, clogged vents, and worn-out parts can all contribute to increased energy consumption.

Regular maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your appliances and enhance their energy efficiency. Consult your appliance manuals for recommended maintenance schedules and procedures.

10. Shower Smarter, Not Longer

Teen boy in the bathroom — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Showers are notorious for consuming water and energy. Aim for shorter showers of 5-10 minutes to conserve both resources.

The average shower uses approximately 2.5 gallons of water per minute. By shaving a few minutes off your shower time, you can save up to 12.5 gallons of water and the energy needed to heat it.

11. Flow With Low-Flow Showerheads

Men's feet stand on an anti-slip plastic mat on the bathroom floor. Care and men's body hygiene — Photo Credit: AYDO8 at Depositphotos.com.

Low-flow showerheads can significantly reduce water and energy usage without compromising your shower experience.

These innovative showerheads can use as little as 1.5 gallons of water per minute, a notable decrease compared to the 2.5 gallons used by standard showerheads. This simple swap can lead to savings of up to 40% on water heating costs.

12. Embrace The Clothesline

Laundry day Rainbow color clothes hanging on washing line to dry indoors home — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Whenever possible, opt for air-drying your clothes on a clothesline instead of using the dryer. This not only conserves energy but also helps extend the lifespan of your garments.

Clothes dryers are energy-intensive appliances. Air-drying your clothes presents a significant opportunity to reduce your energy consumption.

13. Insulate Your Water Heater

Hot-water heater service — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

If your water heater feels warm to the touch, it’s likely leaking heat and wasting energy. Insulating your water heater is a cost-effective way to curb heat loss and lower your energy bills.

Insulating your water heater can reduce heat loss by a remarkable 25-45%, translating to potential savings of up to 10% on water heating costs.

14. Prioritize Air Filter Maintenance

Technician man installing air conditioner on the wall at home for hvac service — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Dirty air filters impede airflow and force your HVAC system to work harder, ultimately increasing energy consumption. Regularly cleaning or replacing air filters ensures optimal performance.

The U.S. Department of Energy suggests changing air filters every three months or as recommended by the manufacturer. Clean filters can boost energy efficiency by 5-15%.

20 Things Poor People Waste Money on, According to Suze Orman

money guru Suze Orman — Photo Credit: s_bukley on Depositphotos.com.

If you’ve ever watched her show, you know Suze Orman pulls no punches. She’s all about calling out bad money choices, urging people to take control of their financial destinies and ditch those pesky spending habits that derail progress. While her advice can be blunt, she aims to empower folks to build wealth and protect their financial futures.

It’s important to note, Suze Orman gets flak sometimes for being too harsh. She’s not shaming people, but highlighting how certain expenses can sabotage big goals like homeownership or a comfortable retirement.

20 Things Poor People Waste Money on, According to

15 Common Purchases Home Buyers Instantly Regret

Woman buys washing machine in a store, holding manual. — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Have you ever felt regret right after purchasing a new item for your home, realizing it doesn’t serve a practical purpose? Or maybe it takes a while to realize that the purchase was not a good one, and after the initial high of buying something, it wears off.

Buying a home is an exciting milestone for everyone. In the excitement, it’s easy to overspend and think we need things we don’t.

15 Common Purchases Home Buyers Instantly Regret

14 Everyday Purchases That Aren’t Worth The Rising Costs Anymore

woman checking her grocery shopping receipt — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Remember when a dollar felt like it stretched further? Sadly, inflation is making everyday things surprisingly expensive. It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, though! A few smart changes can go a long way. While nobody wants to feel deprived, it’s getting ridiculous when the price of basic necessities outpaces our paychecks.

14 Everyday Purchases That Aren’t Worth The Rising Costs Anymore