As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, millions of people are spending more time at home. And that means they’re spending more on their home energy bills, too.
That’s why now is a great time to review ways to reduce your energy usage. There are many ways to live more sustainably and save on your electric bill while working, learning and entertaining yourself at home.
Here are a few tips to get you started.
Save energy in the laundry room
More time at home means more time for washing and drying clothes, which requires a lot of energy. Follow these best practices to help you save on your utility bills.
- Fill up your clothes washer. It takes about the same amount of energy to run a load, regardless of the size, so run full loads whenever possible.
- Wash clothes in colder water. Water heating consumes about 90% of the energy required to operate a clothes washer, so changing the temperature from hot to warm can cut energy use in half.
- Use the “low heat” setting on your dryer. Select a longer drying cycle and a low heat setting to use less energy.
Adjust your thermostat
During colder seasons, save energy by turning down the temperature on your thermostat by one or two degrees. This small adjustment can have a big impact on energy savings.
Save money on a new smart thermostat by checking out the rebates in your area. Rebates can range from $30 to $100 for smart home products.
Change your bulbs to LEDs
LED light bulbs use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Plus, they can last up to 20 years. With Philips Hue smart bulbs, you can connect your phone to the bulbs to change their colors or control them from afar.
Connect to a smart plug
With a smart plug, you can turn just about any device into a smart one, giving you the power to control your electronics from anywhere. When used correctly, they can also help save energy — like when you schedule your outdoor lights to turn off at times when they’re not needed.
Plus, smart plugs can help you reduce wasted energy from so-called “vampire power,” by making sure devices like your desktop computer, printer or TV aren’t using energy when they’re not being used.
Choose ENERGY STAR
If you’re thinking about upgrading your tech or appliances, look for ENERGY STAR® certified products. These products are certified to use less energy than standard models. An ENERGY STAR clothes washer, for example, can save $370 in energy costs over the lifetime of the product.
Click here to learn more about products that are designed for sustainable living.