25 Low-Cost Ways to Save Energy Around the House

Reducing your home energy use is one of the most effective ways to save money on bills. Many conservation strategies cost very little to implement yet can make a significant difference. Here are 25 no or low-cost tips to help your household use energy more efficiently:

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1. Adjust the thermostat. Keeping it just 2-3°F lower in winter and higher in summer can cut heating/cooling costs by up to 10%.
2. Use ceiling fans. They keep rooms feeling breezy so you can raise the thermostat a few degrees. Be sure to reverse fan direction to clockwise in winter.
3. Open blinds. Let sunlight warm rooms during cold months. Close them to retain cool air in summer.
4. Seal air leaks. Block drafts around doors, windows, and outlets with weather stripping and caulk. Stop utility bill money from leaking out!
5. Install window film. These plastic sheets create an insulating barrier to reduce heat transfer.
6. Use power strips. Plug electronics into power strips and switch off when not in use to prevent phantom load waste.
7. Change AC filters monthly. Dirty filters make systems work harder, wasting energy.
8. Set water heater to 120°F (49 Celsius). This provides sufficient hot water for most needs while reducing waste.
9. Wash clothes in cold water. Use hot only for very dirty loads. The water heater is the second highest energy user.
10. Air dry dishes. Skip the drying cycle and rack dry instead.
11. Cook efficiently. Match pan size to burner, use lids, and cut food uniform for faster cooking.
12. Microwave when possible. It uses significantly less energy than the oven.
13. Turn off lights. Flipping the switch can save hundreds per year.
14. Unplug devices. Eliminate vampire loads from chargers and electronics in standby mode.
15. Take short showers. Cut just 5-7 minutes off shower time to meaningfully reduce hot water use.
16. Insulate hot water pipes. Wrap exposed pipes to prevent heat loss.
17. Seal ducts. Ensure ductwork is properly connected and sealed with mastic paste to optimise airflow.
18. Let sunlight in. Open curtains and blinds to maximise natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting.
19. Monitor usage. Use utility bills to identify spikes and patterns in your home’s energy use.
20. Maintain appliances. Clean coils, filters, and components so equipment runs optimally, not wastefully.
21. Plant shade trees. Strategically placed trees naturally cool your home in summer.
22. Adjust water heater temperature. Lower it when away from home for multiple days.
23. Sign up for energy alerts. Many electric companies send notifications of spikes in usage.
24. Insulate the attic. Heat rises and escapes from poorly insulated attics, wasting electricity.
25. Use microwaves, slow cookers, and toaster ovens instead of the full oven. They require significantly less energy for cooking.

Being mindful of energy use and implementing these simple no-cost strategies will help cut utility costs without impacting comfort. A few small changes add up to big energy savings for your household!