Opening your monthly utility bill can sometimes be unpredictable. Will it be higher or lower than last month? While significant fluctuations might require lifestyle changes, there are common household items that often spike energy costs.
Heating and cooling take the largest share of a home’s electricity consumption. Chris Hunter from Service Titan points out that poorly placed or misconfigured thermostats can lead to unnecessary energy use. Placing thermostats away from heat sources or drafts and using programmable thermostats can help manage energy.
Nick Barber from Utilities Now highlights that old refrigerators, especially those over 15 years, can be energy hogs. Consider switching to Energy Star-certified models for efficiency, as older fridges can consume significantly more electricity.
Phantom energy use from electronics, such as TVs and game consoles, continues even when these devices are off. Adam Cain from ElectricityRates.com suggests using smart power strips to curb this wasted energy.
Regular maintenance of HVAC systems by checking and replacing dirty air filters can prevent increased energy consumption, according to Dan Simpson from Air Treatment Heating and Cooling.
Lastly, adjusting the water heater’s settings to 120°F can decrease its constant energy usage, as advised by Kate Colarulli from CleanChoice Energy. This simple adjustment can lead to substantial savings on energy costs.
