Top Energy Saving Products to Help You Lower Your Electric Bill
Reducing your electric bill doesn’t have to be difficult! With a few practical adjustments, you can make your home more energy-efficient year-round. Here are 30 energy-saving tips plus a list of some of the top energy saving products and energy efficient devices for the home. Devices like an energy saving thermostat and LED light bulbs will help you focus on how to save electricity throughout the year.
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Understanding Your Energy Consumption
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average U.S. household consumes about 10,791 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, averaging approximately 899 kWh monthly. Their data on the 2015 census showed that the highest usage was in the southern US. The northeast typically consumed less electricity. The three largest categories for electrical consumption were air conditioning at 19%, space heating at 12%, and water heating at 12%. Other strong electric consumers include lighting, refrigerators, TVs & related equipment, and clothes dryers. Did you know you can implement energy-saving measures to reduce your electricity consumption significantly? Doing this can lead to substantial savings!
Taking Advantage of Tax Credits & Energy Star Savings
Clean energy tax credits are available to consumers who purchase energy-efficient appliances and products. These are available on home clean energy products like solar, fuel cells, wind turbines, and battery storage. You’ll also find tax credits on energy saving products like heat pumps, water heaters, efficient air conditioning/heating systems, electric panel or circuit upgrades, insulation materials, skylights, windows, doors, and even home energy audits.
Further down, you’ll find information about Energy Star Rebates for replacing older appliances with Energy Star Efficient appliances.
Seasonal Energy-Saving Tips
Energy Saving Tips for Summer
Optimize Your Air Conditioner Usage
If you’re interested in how to save electricity, set your thermostat to a comfortable yet efficient temperature at home. Raising it by just a few degrees can lead to noticeable savings! Do you have a programmable or a smart thermostat in your home? That’s a great example of an energy saving product, if you use it to your benefit. Are there times during the day when no one is at home (maybe due to being at work or school)? In the warmer months, set the temperature higher when you’re not there. Schedule it to the temperature you want before you arrive. If you use an energy saving thermostat, you won’t even need to give adjusting the temperature a second thought. Just set it and forget it!
Use Ceiling Fans for Air Circulation
Ceiling fans can make a room feel cooler. When you use them, you may find that you can increase the temperature slightly and still feel comfortable. In the summer, the blades on your ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise to push cooler air downward. If you have the blades turning the correct direction when it’s hot outside, you’ll find this energy saving product can help you be able to adjust the thermostat slightly up and you’ll still feel comfy while reducing your electricity consumption!
Reduce Heat Gain with Window Treatments
Curtains and blinds do a lot more than make your home look nice! They can help you save on cooling expenses during the summer. You can block direct sunlight with blinds, shades, or curtains, especially during peak hours. Consider using reflective or blackout materials to reduce heat from rising in your home from sunlight. Other options for keeping your home cooler include exterior solutions like awnings or solar screens. By reducing the heat that comes through your windows, you can lower the strain on your air conditioning system and enjoy a more energy-efficient home with reduced cooling costs. If you want to save electricity, keeping blinds and curtains closed during the peak sunlight hours will help reduce indoor temperatures and lessen the load on your air conditioner. Once you reduce heat gain from window treatments, you may be able to set your energy saving thermostat up a degree or two during the worst heat of the day.
Cook Wisely
Consider modifying your cooking habits to help keep your home cool when you want to save on electric. When it’s hot, cook without your oven, as it can significantly increase the temperature indoors. Instead, opt for cooking methods that generate less heat, such as using an air fryer, Instant Pot, crockpot, toaster oven, or microwave.
Multi-purpose devices like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 are convenient, as they can perform multiple cooking functions—including pressure cooking, air frying, steaming, and dehydrating—in one appliance. Think about how many small appliances you can eliminate just by having an Instant Pot with many features. Available in both 8-quart and 6-quart models, this is my favorite kitchen appliance – it replaces many small appliances in your home. They’re great for cooking in when it’s hot outside. If you’re unsure which you need, an Instant Pot or a crockpot, I just posted about it.
Another popular option in the warmer months is an outdoor grill, which means we’ll have Huli Huli Grilled Pork Tenderloin for dinner one night!
Some of my favorite summertime Instant Pot recipes include Instant Pot Turkey Breast, Zesty Air Fried Lemon Chicken (thanks to the air frying lid), Stuffed Pepper Soup, and Beef & Guinness Stew.
I’ll use the slow cooker to make Mississippi Beef Stew, Orange Chicken, Cuban Pork Roast, Chicken Creole, or Crockpot Lasagna.
Seal Leaks
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to save on electric bills, focus on keeping the cool air inside your home. That also means reducing the amount of heat that gets in. By sealing gaps and cracks, you can reduce your electric bills. Take a look around and see if there are places that could leak (around windows, doors, and other openings). If you use weather stripping, caulking, or expanding foam, you can keep the heat from getting in. This can help with your overall energy efficiency and save you money.
Winter Energy Saving Tips
Adjust Thermostat Setting
According to the US Department of Energy, you may save 10% yearly by lowering the temperature on your thermostat between 7 and 10 degrees for 8 hours per day. A programmable or smart thermostat is an energy saving thermostat can also help reduce the temperature while you’re away from home or sleeping.
Use Ceiling Fans to Redistribute Warm Air
Heat naturally rises. If you’re looking for a way to save on electric bills, think about this. Did you know your ceiling fans can be helpful when it’s chilly outside? In the winter, the blades on your ceiling fan should rotate clockwise to push the warmer air that’s risen to your ceiling downward. Ceiling fans are energy saving products in that they help you keep your home warm in the winter, provided the blades are turning the correct direction.
Insulate Your Home
Are you losing heat due to poor insulation? In the cooler months, leaks caused by inadequate weather stripping, caulking, or expanding foam can cause heat loss. According to Energy Star, homeowners can save an average of 15% yearly on heating and cooling costs by eliminating leaks and adding insulation in attics, crawlspaces, and basements.
Prevent Drafts
Drafts coming in make your home feel cold. You can block drafts using draft excluders at the base of doors and windows. This is an easy way to save on electric bills that won’t cost you an arm and a leg!
Cook Wisely
Do you think you’ve heard these tips already? Trust me, it’s different than my summertime advice! I like running appliances that naturally heat my home in winter. I’ll cook more often in my oven: Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers, a side dish like my Diced Sweet Potato Casserole, or a Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole with a Pecan Crumble Topping.
I’ll also cook on my stovetop, such as Maryland Crab Soup, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, Bayou Shrimp Pasta with Fettuccine, Chicken Fajitas, Shrimp Chow Mein, or Marry Me Chicken.
Take Advantage of Natural Lighting to Cut Down on Electricity Usage
Using natural light during the day is a simple and effective way to save energy, plus it reduces the need to use artificial lighting. Open curtains and blinds to let sunlight light up your living spaces – you won’t need to turn as many lights on, which can decrease your electricity usage. While taking advantage of natural lighting makes sense for reducing your use of lights, it can also heat your home.
Year-Round Energy Saving Tips
Maintain Your HVAC System for Maximum Efficiency
Do you have your air conditioner and heater serviced, and are you changing your air filters regularly? If you’re interested in how to save electricity, follow the maintenance schedule for your HVAC system to keep it running at its best. We have our system inspected and serviced twice yearly, but I know some people who do this once a year instead. Most air filters will say on the package how often they should be changed (many say every 1-3 months). By keeping your HVAC system well-maintained, you can lower your energy consumption and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Avoid Blocking Air Vents for Improved Airflow and Efficiency
Do you have things blocking your vents? If you do, this can restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. Regularly check and clear any obstructions blocking air vents, such as furniture, curtains, or debris. This will allow for better air circulation throughout your home.
Switch to Energy-Efficient LED Bulbs to Save on Energy
Are you still using old-style lightbulbs? Consider swapping them out for energy-efficient LED bulbs. The US Department of Energy states that Energy Star-rated products like LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent, old-style bulbs. Not only that, but some last up to 25 times longer, too! They may appear more expensive when first buying them, but you’ll see the benefit in their usage and lifespan. Switching to an energy saving product like LED lightbulbs is an easy change you can make in your home.
Use Lighting Efficiently to Lower Utility Costs
Are you using your lights more than necessary? Only use as much light as you need. Rather than turning on all the lights in a room, consider just turning on a lamp if that provides all the light you need. When you leave a room, turn off all the lights (I’m picturing my mom saying this!). Additionally, if you tend to leave certain lights on all the time, one way to save on electric bills is to consider using motion-sensing lights both indoors and outdoors. These lights can automatically turn off when no one is around, helping you save on energy even if people aren’t always good about shutting off lights when they’re not needed!
Reduce Your Power Consumption
Appliances
Unplug “Vampire” Devices
You can save energy by unplugging devices like chargers and electronics when they’re not in use. Many consume power even when turned off, known as phantom or standby power. Why pay for electricity on things you’re not using? This small habit can lower your electric bills over time.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you are using older appliances, chances are they aren’t energy efficient. You can reduce your monthly utility bills by replacing your older appliances with Energy Star appliances that use less electricity and water. Upgrading to energy-efficient models can lead to long-term savings while benefiting the environment. Before you shop, check the Energy Star Rebate Finder website to see what tax credits and rebates you may be eligible to receive when you buy – enter your zip code to see what’s available. By making a change to energy saving products when you replace appliances, you’ll save on your electric bills.
Run Full Loads
If you want to maximize efficiency, run your appliances, such as your washing machine and dishwasher, when full. This is an easy, energy-saving tip to lower your electric bill!
Optimize Appliance Usage for Energy Efficiency
What time of day do you typically run your appliances? In the summer, consider running appliances like dishwashers, washers, and dryers in the evening when it’s cooler instead of during the peak heat times. This simple adjustment can also help maintain a more comfortable indoor temperature during warmer months, reducing the need for additional cooling. The opposite could help when it’s cooler outside – take advantage of the heat instead!
Air-Dry Dishes to Trim Energy Expenses
How are you drying your dishes? Instead of using the heat drying function in your dishwasher, try cracking open the dishwasher door after washing and rinsing to let them air dry naturally. Incorporating air drying into your routine can reduce your household’s energy consumption and lower your electric bill.
Use Cold Water for Washing for Efficient Energy Use
Is it necessary to wash everything in warm or hot water? When possible, opt for cold water in your washing machine. You can effectively clean most clothes with cold water, which saves on the energy it would take to heat the water. Try to get in the habit of limiting hot water washes to heavily soiled items. Only use warm water on fabrics that require it. This simple switch can reduce your energy use, and that will help you see lower electric bills.
Regularly Clean Dryer Vents to Reduce Power Usage
How often do you clean your clothes dryer vent? An easy energy-saving tip is to get in the habit of cleaning your dryer vent before drying each load. If the vent isn’t clean, air can’t flow properly. A clean vent will reduce the drying time and energy consumption. If the dryer vent is clogged, it can cause it to work harder and longer, increasing your energy usage and potentially leading to overheating issues (and fires!). You’ll improve the efficiency, extend the dryer’s lifespan, and lower your electric bill.
Clean Refrigerator Coils Regularly to Reduce Energy Usage
When was the last time you cleaned the coils on your refrigerator? Did you even realize that you should be doing this? Reduce dust and dirt buildup on your refrigerator coils by vacuuming or brushing them on a schedule, and set yourself reminders in your phone about when you should be doing this. Clean coils allow your refrigerator to operate more efficiently. Dusty coils can hinder heat dissipation and increase energy consumption. This maintenance task can help extend the lifespan of your refrigerator and lower your energy bills over time.
Water Heating
Adjust Hot Water Temperature to Lower Your Electric Bill
Do you need your hot water to be as hot as it is, especially in the hot months of summer? An energy-saving tip is to lower the temperature by a few degrees. Gradually adjust it down and see if it’s noticeable. Continue dropping it by a few degrees until you find the lowest temperature that works for you. The Department of Energy suggests setting your water heater at 120 degrees to slow mineral buildup and corrosion and reduce scalding chances.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Energy saving products like low-flow showerheads and faucets can reduce your hot water usage.
Electronics
Enable Power-Saving Mode
Many devices, including computers and other electronics, have an energy-saving power mode. Be sure to take advantage of this. Features may include having your devices go to sleep after a period of non-use, adjusting the screen brightness based on time of day or background lighting, or features to save your battery power on your device. If you’re interested in how to save electricity, take advantage of power saving mode!
Limit Space Heater Use
According to the US Energy Information Administration, Independent Statistics and Analysis, space heating is the top energy-consuming home use. On average, space heaters cost $519 to operate. Therefore, use space heaters sparingly, as they can significantly increase your energy consumption.
Use Smart Power Strips to Lower Your Electric Bill
Until recently, I had no idea that some power strips were smart and others weren’t! I learned that by plugging electronic items like computers, televisions, and chargers into a smart power strip, I can save on energy because devices like these still consume power even when turned off. Many devices go into standby mode when you’re not actively using them, and they still draw electricity during this time, which wastes power (and money). If you hope to lower your energy bills and make your home more energy efficient, consider using smart power strips.
Consider Smart Home Devices
You can also find all sorts of smart home devices that are energy saving products. I’ve already discussed energy saving thermostats above. These are internet-connected and can be controlled by a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Smart home devices include thermostats, plugs, outlets, door locks, doorbells, security systems, smart lighting, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save by adjusting my thermostat in winter?
The US Department of Energy estimates that lowering the temperature on your thermostat to 7-10 degrees for 8 hours per day may save you 10% yearly. An energy saving thermostat is a great device for helping you save.
Do energy-efficient appliances make a significant difference?
Yes! Using Energy Star-rated appliances can lead to substantial savings over time.
Is it worth investing in home insulation?
Absolutely! If you’re determined to find how to save electricity, proper insulation can save you up to $400 yearly by reducing heating and cooling costs.
Embracing Energy Saving Habits – Your Path to a Lower Electric Bill
If you’re committed to finding how to save electricity, these 30 energy-saving tips with product suggestions can lead to noticeable reductions in your power costs. From adjusting thermostat settings, using energy-efficient appliances, and changing your cooking habits, every small change helps over time. Select energy saving products when you shop. Pay attention to your energy use (or overuse), and consider options to save money. Remember, saving on energy isn’t just about cutting costs – it’s about making wise choices that benefit your household and the planet.
I’m all about saving money and smart spending. You can learn more about How to Lower Your Electric Bills here. If you want to lower your water bills, read How to Save Money on the Water Bill. If you spend too much on cable, internet, and phone bills, you may be interested in Cutting the Cord. Maybe you want to get away but feel like you can’t afford it – check out How to Afford a Vacation. Do you think you’re Overspending and want to learn how to stop? Need to know about Budgeting and How to Make a Family Budget? Then you’re in the right place at Save Money Fever!
Note: I am not a financial advisor or accountant. The information I’m providing should be carefully considered, as I am just sharing what I’ve discovered that was helpful for me. It’s essential to do your due diligence and consult professionals before making decisions.
