100 Ways to Slash Your Energy Bills and Help the Environment: Tips to Help You Save Money and Go Green!
Saving energy and going green have become popular topics in recent years, and for good reason. The world is becoming increasingly aware of the need to preserve the environment and to make changes to combat global climate change. At the same time, many people are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to do both! Here are our top 100 tips for slashing your energy bills and helping the environment.
1. Use energy efficient lightbulbs
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to save energy is to switch to energy-efficient lightbulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) use up to 75{4c23d1bbdf1869c60869e9c1f1d0671c4aa3381a174e1e0fff2d74d4ea5dd2d2} less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, while LED bulbs use even less. Not only do these bulbs save energy, they also last much longer, which means you won’t have to replace them as often.
2. Unplug appliances when not in use
One of the biggest culprits of wasted energy is leaving appliances plugged in when they are not in use. Even when turned off, these appliances are still drawing energy from the power outlet. To prevent this, unplug appliances when you’re not using them or use a power strip with a switch so you can easily turn off multiple appliances.
3. Install a programmable thermostat
Another way to save energy and money is to install a programmable thermostat. This type of thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, so you can adjust the temperature when you’re not home or when you’re sleeping. You can save up to 10{4c23d1bbdf1869c60869e9c1f1d0671c4aa3381a174e1e0fff2d74d4ea5dd2d2} a year on your heating and cooling bills just by using a programmable thermostat.
4. Use natural lighting during the day
Take advantage of the natural light of the sun during the day instead of relying on artificial lighting. Open your curtains and blinds and let the light in, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can save on your energy bill.
5. Install solar panels
If you’re looking for a more long-term solution to energy savings, consider investing in solar panels. Solar panels use the power of the sun to generate electricity, and they can significantly reduce your energy bills. Plus, they’re good for the environment because they don’t produce any emissions.
6. Insulate your home
Insulating your home is one of the best ways to save energy and money. Proper insulation will keep the air inside your home at a comfortable temperature and reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home.
7. Install a water-saving showerhead
Water-saving showerheads are designed to use less water while still providing a good shower experience. They can save up to 25{4c23d1bbdf1869c60869e9c1f1d0671c4aa3381a174e1e0fff2d74d4ea5dd2d2} of the water used in a standard shower and can also reduce your energy bills since less hot water is being used.
8. Air-dry your clothes
Instead of using your dryer to dry your clothes, hang them up to air-dry. This is a great way to save energy and the environment, since dryers use a lot of energy and emit greenhouse gases.
9. Install a low-flow faucet
Low-flow faucets are designed to use less water while still providing a good flow. They can save up to 30{4c23d1bbdf1869c60869e9c1f1d0671c4aa3381a174e1e0fff2d74d4ea5dd2d2} of the water used in a standard faucet and can also reduce your energy bills since less hot water is being used.
10. Install a tankless water heater
Tankless water heaters are a great way to save energy and money. Instead of keeping a large tank of hot water, tankless water heaters heat the water on demand. This means you don’t have to pay to keep a large tank of hot water heated all the time, and you can save up to 25{4c23d1bbdf1869c60869e9c1f1d0671c4aa3381a174e1e0fff2d74d4ea5dd2d2} on your energy bills.
11. Install weatherstripping around your doors and windows
Weatherstripping is an easy and inexpensive way to save energy and money. It prevents cold air from coming in and warm air from escaping, so you don’t have to use as much energy to keep your home comfortable.
12. Turn down the temperature on your water heater
Most water heaters are set to a default temperature of 140 degrees, but you can save energy and money by turning it down to 120 degrees. This will still provide you with enough hot water while using less energy.
13. Take shorter showers
Shorter showers use less hot water, which can save you money on your energy bills. So take a few minutes off your shower time and you’ll be surprised at how much you can save.
14. Use cold water to wash your clothes
Most of the energy used to wash clothes is used to heat the water. Instead of using hot water, switch to cold water and you can save up to 90{4c23d1bbdf1869c60869e9c1f1d0671c4aa3381a174e1e0fff2d74d4ea5dd2d2} of the energy used.
15. Use a pressure cooker
Pressure cookers are a great way to cook food quickly and use less energy. They also retain more of the nutrients in the food, so you get more bang for your buck.
16. Unplug phone and computer chargers when not in use
Just like appliances, phone and computer chargers draw energy even when they are not in use. To prevent this, unplug them when you’re not using them or use a power strip with a switch so you can easily turn them off.
17. Cover your windows with blinds or curtains
Covering your windows with blinds or curtains can help keep the heat in during the winter and out during the summer. This can save you money on your energy bills, since you won’t have to use as much energy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
18. Turn off the lights when you leave a room
This is a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget. Turning off the lights when you leave a room is one of the easiest and most effective ways to save energy.
19. Take advantage of natural cooling
In the summer, open your windows and doors at night to let the cool night air in. This can help keep your home cool without using a lot of energy.
20. Use a fan instead of an air conditioner
Fans use much less energy than air conditioners, so using a fan instead of an air conditioner can help you save money on your energy bills.
21. Install awnings over windows
Awnings can help keep the sun out of your home during the summer, which can help keep your home cool and reduce the amount of energy you need to use.
22. Plant trees and shrubs around your home
Trees and shrubs can provide shade and act as a buffer from the wind, which can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
23. Use energy-saving modes on appliances
Many appliances now come with energy-saving modes, which can help you save energy and money. Make sure you take advantage of these modes whenever possible.
24. Install motion-sensor lights
Motion-sensor lights are a great way to save energy and money. They only turn on when someone is in the room, so you don’t have to worry about leaving the lights on when you’re not using them.
25. Use a power strip with a switch
Power strips with a switch make it easy to turn off multiple appliances at once. This is a great way to save energy and money, since many appliances still draw energy when they are turned off.
26. Seal air leaks around your home
Air leaks around your home can let in cold air during the winter and hot air during the summer, which can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Make sure to seal any air leaks around your home to help keep the temperature inside your home at a comfortable level.
27. Use a crockpot instead of an oven
Crockpots use much less energy than ovens, so using a crockpot instead of an oven can help you save energy and money.
28. Use a water filter instead of bottled water
Bottled water is not only bad for the environment, it can also be expensive