THE EVERYDAY EDITION
Want a lower electric bill without buying appliances? Try 12 practical ways to cut heating, cooling, laundry and standby energy use at home.
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01Find the number marked kWh on your last two or three bills. That is the electricity you used. Then look for the price per kWh and any fixed delivery charges. Reducing usage can lower the variable part of your bill, but it may not change monthly fixed fees.
A SMARTER EVERYDAY
02Avoid heating or cooling an empty house as aggressively as an occupied one. The Department of Energy says a 7–10°F thermostat setback for about eight hours a day may save up to around 10% on heating and cooling in suitable homes.
A SMARTER EVERYDAY
03Make sure heating does not kick in at 5 a.m. on days when everyone sleeps until 8, or cooling does not run for hours after the house is empty. You do not need a new thermostat to check an existing schedule if your current one supports programming.
A SMARTER EVERYDAY
04On chilly sunny days, open curtains to bring natural warmth into south-facing rooms, then close them after dark. In hot weather, close blinds on windows where direct sunlight is heating the room. The goal is to reduce how much work your HVAC system must do.
A SMARTER EVERYDAY
05Check door sweeps, window edges and gaps you can safely reach. Weatherstripping and basic caulking can reduce drafts. Do not seal combustion-air vents or interfere with gas-appliance ventilation; consult a professional when unsure.
A SMARTER EVERYDAY
06Inspect filters according to your equipment manual. Move furniture away from vents and do not block return-air pathways. A struggling air system may run longer, and severe neglect can affect comfort and equipment life.
A SMARTER EVERYDAY
07Heating water accounts for a large share of clothes-washing energy. ENERGY STAR recommends cold water for many ordinary loads, though heavily soiled items, medical needs and fabric labels may call for something else. Modern detergent often works well in cold cycles.
THE TAKEAWAY
08Clean the dryer lint filter before every load. Use the moisture-sensor setting if you already have one; consider air-drying suitable items on a rack. Avoid overloading the dryer because clothes need airflow.