51 ways to save money on energy costs in 2022

April 11, 2022

The electrical grid becomes older with no updated technology every year, yet energy prices continue to increase. You cannot control how much the utility company will charge you, yet you can implement ways to spend less on your electricity bill.

We will cover 51 tips to help you save money on energy costs.

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Tip #1: Make Sure You’re Changing All Filters and Keeping Vents Clean

Make sure you’re changing all filters and keeping vents clean. Dust and dirt can build up over time and restrict airflow, making your HVAC system work harder than it needs to.

Check your filters every 60 days and clean your vents at least twice a year.

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Tip #2: Adjust the Thermostat

By adjusting the thermostat down a few degrees in the winter and up a few degrees in the summer, you can easily shave off $20-$30 from your monthly bill.

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Tip #3: Use Fans As Much As Possible

Ceiling and tower fans during the summer months will help you with lowering your bills. A tower fan is far less expensive to run than your air conditioning (AC) unit.

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Tip #4: Get Into The Habit of Unplugging Things When You’re Done Using Them

Appliances like TVs, computers, and chargers still use power even when they’re turned off, so unplugging them will help reduce your bill and save energy at the same time.

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Tip #5: Invest in Blackout Curtains – Save On Heating Costs

Blackout curtains block out light from your windows, which will keep your home nice and cool without having to turn on the AC as often. You will also be able to sleep more soundly with less light coming into your room.

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Tip #6: Keep an Eye on Your Attic and Ductwork

Ensure the insulation in your attic is up-to-date and that there aren’t any leaks or holes in your ductwork.

Rodents and any work done in your attic mean that ducting may be compromised. You don’t want your AC unit cooling the attic during the summer.

Investing in better insulation will pay for itself over time.

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Tip #7: Install Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs were great for many decades. We now have LED bulbs that last longer, produce less heat and use far less energy.

You will spend more money on LED bulbs, yet the savings can be seen immediately.

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Tip #8: Use Dryer Balls to Cut Down on Drying Time

Dryer balls can cut down on drying time by up to 25%. That translates to saving money from your utility provider.

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Tip #9: Upgrade Appliances Whenever Possible

Replacing older appliances with new energy-efficient ones can help reduce your energy bills.

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Tip #10: Look for Discounts Through Your Utility Company

Your utility company may offer discounts on energy-efficient appliances. Many companies also have programs that provide rebates for insulation and water heaters.

You also may qualify for low-income assistance. You pay a percentage of your utilities while the company takes care of the rest with this.

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Tip #11: Use Your Dishwasher Instead of Handwashing

A newer dishwasher uses as little as three gallons of water per cycle. Save water by ditching the hand washing.

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Tip #12: Invest in a Water-Saving Toilet

Older toilets from the 1990s use nearly five gallons of water per flush. The newer toilets use about half of that and some even less.

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Tip #13: Do Your Laundry Efficiently

If you can do all of your laundry in one load, do it. Cold water is best. Full loads are great at lowering your utilities.

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Tip #14: Watch Out For Leaks

Small leaks create problems. It is better to call the plumber and have it fixed now than have to deal with any dry rot or mold later.

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Tip #15: Use Water Saving Faucets and Showerheads

Certain items such as modern faucets and showerheads are inexpensive, keep your average water usage down, and help with lower bills.

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Tip #16: Adjust Your Water Heater Temp When Necessary

Water heaters were installed and set at 140 degrees. One hundred twenty degrees is optimal and will save on your natural gas bill. You will probably never turn your knobs that high.

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Tip #17: Do As Many Chores At Night As Possible

Your bill is lower at night because demand is lower. Run the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer and spend less electricity.

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Tip #18: Have a Ceiling Fan in Most, If Not All, Rooms

Ceiling fans can help keep you cool during the summer while in the room. Air conditioners suck up a lot of power. If you can avoid turning on the AC until later in the day, you will save electricity and have money savings.

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Tip #19: Use a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are lifesavers. Setting up a schedule, so your system only turns on when you’re home will cut your utility costs.

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Tip #20: Cover Your Outlets When They’re Not in Use

Stray drafts from outside can get in through outlets and put a strain on your heating or cooling system. Covering them is a simple solution.

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Tip #21: Reduce Your Shower Time

Shorter showers (five minutes) can use less than one-third of the water used for a bath.

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Tip #22: Use a Smart Power Strip

Smart power strips turn on/off certain things at certain times. The monitor will only turn on when the computer is on. Do you need the monitor on when your computer is off?

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Tip #23: Install Weatherstrip on Your Doors and Windows

Sealing up cracks and holes where cold air can get in is a great way to save on your heating and cooling bills. Windows and doors probably let out hot or cool air during the summer and winter months.

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Tip #24: Turn The Thermostat Down/Off At Night

If you’re not going to be home during the day, turn your thermostat off. Your dining table will not sweat.

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Tip #25: Use the Optimal Fridge and Freezer Temperatures

Set your fridge and freezer to the optimal temperature. You should keep the refrigerator at 38-40 degrees, while the freezer should stay around 0 degrees. Having them set colder can use additional energy and increase your bill.

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Tip #26: Turn Off Your Computer When Not Using It

Computers use a lot of energy when they’re on. Turn them off when you’re not using them.

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Tip #27: Cook Outside in the Summer

Your range/cooktop is heating your house every time you use it. Cooking outside will allow your AC unit to rest. Having a barbeque grill is life.

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Tip #28: Request an Energy Audit

An energy audit can show you ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Many utility companies will have one of their contractors come and audit your home for inefficiencies.

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Tip #29: Clean Your Refrigerator coils

Clean the coils at least once a year with a vacuum cleaner or coil brush.

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Tip #30: Hang Your Clothes Out To Dry

Drying your clothes outside can also help them last longer and lower your energy use.

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Tip #31: Use a Laptop Instead of a Desktop Computer

Desktop computers use more energy than laptops.

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Tip #32: Plant Trees Near Your Home

Planting trees near your home can help shade it and keep it cooler in the summer. You’ll have more oxygen, and your home temperature will be lower in the summer.

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Tip #33: Use Lights With Smart Switches

Smart switches allow you to control when the lights are on. Motion sensor lights are another good thing to have.

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Tip #34: Make Sure All Attic Air Leaks Are Sealed

Prevent heated or cooled air from escaping from your home by sealing up attic leaks. The rats don’t need to be comfortable in the attic.

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Tip #35: Use Energy Star Products

Energy star label products use less energy and save on electricity costs.

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Tip #36: Insulate Your Crawl Space Ducts

Keep cool air from escaping during the summer and hot air coming into your house during the winter by insulating your crawl space.

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Tip #37: Close Doors to Rooms When They’re Not In Use

Keep any rooms not being used closed. Also, close the vent if you have a room that no one uses.

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Tip #38: Invest in a Water Heater Timer

A water heater timer can help you save on your heating costs by turning it off at certain times of the day.

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Tip #39: Install Dual-Pane Windows

Older aluminum windows are notoriously hot during the summer months.

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Tip #40: Re-Glaze Your Windows

If your windows are old and drafty, then consider re-glazing them. You will help keep the heat or cool air in your home and save money on your energy cost each month.

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Tip #41: Clean Out Your Dryer Ducts

Cleaning out your dryer ducts will help the machine run more efficiently and save money on your energy cost each month.

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Tip #42: Drain Your Water Heater Each Month

Draining your water heater removes sediment that builds up and can help the unit run more efficiently.

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Tip #43: Use Smart Metering, If Possible

By using a smart meter, you can monitor how much electricity is being used hourly. Utility companies use smart metering to ensure the power grid remains stable theoretically and blackouts don’t happen.

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Tip #44: Spend More Time Outside Your Home

Coffee shops spare no expense when it comes to keeping their stores comfortable. Use that generosity to your benefit while working on your laptop during the hottest or coldest part of the day. You’ll catch me in my local cafe from 3-7 pm during the summer.

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Tip #45: Seal Your Chimney If You Never Use It

Hot air rises and will escape through your chimney. Consider sealing it up.

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Tip #46: Use Air Conditioner Covers

If you have air conditioners in your home, make sure to use covers on them when not being used.

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Tip #47: Install Storm Windows

Installing storm windows can help reduce bills each month. Storm windows prevent heated air from escaping through the window and allow you to keep it inside of your home, where it belongs.

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Tip #48: Wrap Pipes With Better Insulation

Insulate your hot water pipes because they lose heat as the water travels through them. Your water will stay warmer, and the pipes are less likely to freeze.

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Tip #49: Look Into Geothermal Heating

Geothermal heating is a more expensive option to consider when reducing your energy bill, but it’s also one of the most efficient. The earth’s natural heat is used to warm and cool a home.

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Tip #50: Look into Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters only heat the water as it’s needed. A traditional tank-style hot water heater keeps water hot 24/7 and is inefficient.

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Tip #51: Insulate Your Garage Door

Insulate the garage door to keep the proper air in and the other air out.

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You Can Lower Your Energy Bills

Saving on your bills doesn’t have to be difficult. By following the tips listed in this article, you can start reducing your monthly expenses immediately and see a noticeable difference in your electric bill.

This article originally appeared on MaxMyMoney.org and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

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