10 ways to conserve energy and save on your bills

When you think about saving energy, turning the heat down or flipping the lights off might come to mind. In reality, improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to mean doing less. Thanks to new, more efficient (and often affordable) technology, it's easier than ever to get more out of your home while conserving electricity and other fuels, shrinking your utility bills, and reducing your environmental impact. 

Let’s explore some of the best ways to improve your home's energy efficiency.

Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume excessive electricity and don't last as long as energy-efficient alternatives. Instead of reaching for those when shopping for light bulbs, look for the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, Energy Star; Energy Star-certified LED light bulbs use up to 90% less energy than an incandescent light bulb while providing the same amount of light. And these days, they come in various shades so you don’t have to sacrifice your preferred color temperature.

Although energy-efficient bulbs can be more expensive off the shelf, their efficient energy use and longer lifetimes mean they cost less in the long run.

"Phantom energy," also known as "standby energy" or "vampire energy," is the electricity used by electronics when turned off or in standby mode. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), standby energy accounts for 5% to 10% of residential energy use—which can add up. 

Smart power strips, also known as advanced power strips, eliminate the problem of phantom loads by shutting off the power to electronics when they’re not in use. They can turn off appliances at an assigned time, during a period of inactivity, through remote switches, or based on the status of a "master" device.

Smart thermostats can help reduce heating and cooling energy use without upgrading your HVAC system. They can automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling while you're asleep or away, and come in different models to fit your weekly schedule. Some smart thermostats even indicate when to replace air filters or address HVAC system problems to further improve your heating and cooling system's efficiency.

A smart thermostat can save you approximately 8% of your heating and cooling bills. Savings may vary based on your local climate, personal comfort preferences, how many people live in your home, and the type and age of HVAC equipment in your home.

When purchasing an appliance, you should pay attention to two numbers: the initial purchase price and the annual operating cost. Although energy-efficient appliances might have higher upfront purchase prices, they usually save you money on your electric bills.

As with lightbulbs, look for the Energy Star label—these appliances are guaranteed to consume less energy than standard models.

Water heating significantly contributes to your total energy usage. Other than purchasing an energy-efficient water heater, there are three ways to reduce your water heating expenses: 

• Use less hot water

• Turn down the thermostat on your water heater

• Insulate your water heater with the first six feet of hot and cold water pipes.

If you’re looking to replace your water heater, consider the type of water heater and the fuel it will use.

• Tankless water heaters are energy efficient, but they’re a poor choice for large families as they can’t handle multiple and simultaneous uses of hot water. 

• Heat pump water heaters are one of the most efficient ways to heat your home's water. Energy Star-certified heat pump water heaters can save a household of four people $550 per year compared to a standard electric water heater—they usually have a higher upfront cost, but tax credits and rebates can help decrease that price.

Heat gain and loss through windows account for 25% to 30% of most homes' heating and cooling energy. Generally, replacing single-pane windows with double-pane products prevents heat loss.

• For homes in colder regions, "low-e" storm windows are more insulating and can significantly reduce your heating expenses. Specifically, low-e interior or exterior storm windows can reduce unnecessary heat loss by 10% to 30%. This is especially beneficial for those who frequently experiences extreme weather.

• In warmer climates, heat gain through windows may be a problem. In addition to minimizing heat loss, low-e coatings on windows can reduce heat gain by reflecting more light and lowering the amount of thermal energy that enters your home. 

Window shades, shutters, screens, and awnings can also provide an extra layer of insulation between your home and outside temperatures, leading to more energy conservation and better energy management. Some states and utility companies also offer incentives for replacing windows with more energy-efficient versions.

When shopping for energy-efficient windows, there are two key labels to look for:

• Energy Star label: review details on this label just as you would on appliances.

• National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label: provides energy performance ratings to help you compare windows, doors, and skylights.

Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with Energy Star-certified equipment can cut your annual energy bill by $140. Heat pumps are particularly advantageous because they efficiently heat and cool your home. Otherwise, you'll need two systems: an air conditioner to cool and a furnace or boiler to heat. Either way, you'll want to ensure your chosen HVAC equipment suits your climate.

Upgrades to ventilation can also improve your energy efficiency. A ventilation system comprises a network of ducts that distribute hot and cold air throughout your home. If these ducts aren’t properly sealed or insulated, the resulting energy waste can add hundreds of dollars to your annual heating and cooling expenses. Proper insulation and maintenance on your ventilation system can reduce your heating and cooling expenses by up to 20%.

Weatherizing, or sealing air leaks around your home, is another way to reduce your heating and cooling expenses. The shield or "building envelope" between the inside and outside provides a barrier to weather, air, and moisture. The most common sources of air leaks into your home are vents, windows, and doors. To prevent these leaks, ensure there are no cracks or openings between the wall and vent, window, or doorframe.

You can apply caulk to seal air leaks between stationary objects, such as the wall and window frame, and weather stripping for cracks between moving objects, such as operable windows and doors. These are simple air-sealing techniques that typically offer a return on investment in less than a year. Air leaks can also occur through openings in the wall, floor, and ceiling from plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring.

Insulation plays a crucial role in lowering your utility bills by retaining heat during the winter and keeping heat out of your home during the summer. The level of insulation you should install depends on the area of your house, but generally, your attic, walls, floors, basement, and crawlspace are the five main areas where you should consider adding insulation. Consider receiving an energy audit to help you determine if you need to add insulation.

Many home systems, like your HVAC, use filters that need regular replacement or cleaning. Clean filters are more efficient and put less strain on your system, but this step often gets overlooked. It's best to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific equipment, but in general, you'll want to clean them every month or two.

You can purchase many different products to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your overall energy consumption. Below are some examples of ways you can leverage renewable energy sources and reduce your dependence on fossil fuels: