Tips on Saving on Energy Cost

The average American household consumes 10,715 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, and that’s about 1,000 kWh per month.¹ Now, think of that number in terms of your utility bill. Conserving energy is good for the environment, but it is also suitable for your bottom line. With a few simple adjustments, you can save on energy costs at home.

The following tips will help reduce energy consumption at home and cut the monthly cost of your utility bill.

Practice Energy Efficiency

When purchasing new appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR, a certification label issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, signifying that the machine is highly energy efficient. Machines and home systems awarded the ENERGY STAR are manufactured to help protect the environment and help consumers save money because they use less energy to operate.

Purchase appliances and other products, like light bulbs and smart thermometers, awarded the ENERGY STAR for saving energy and money. ENERGY STAR products meet rigorous energy-efficiency standards set by the EPA. For instance, a washer with the ENERGY STAR seal is designed to use up to 50% less energy and 55% less water than a non-energy-efficient washer. Consumers can save money on their electric and water bills if both washers and dryers are energy-efficient. 

Energy-efficient appliances may cost more than a non-efficient ones, but consumers can expect to save money when electricity bills are reduced in the long run. Also, some products come with state, local, or utility rebates, saving money upfront. Energy-efficient appliances could shave off $50 per year on the water and electric bills.

Turn on Savings when You Turn Off Electric Devices

It’s simple enough. Turn off lights, ceiling fans, and other appliances when they’re not in use. Turn the heat down or the air conditioner up when you’re not home all day or evening. A smart thermometer will adjust the temperature automatically, so you don’t have to remember to do it.

Turn off appliances that still draw energy, even when they’re not in use. For example, televisions that stay plugged in still draw power, perhaps not much, but some. Every little bit counts when you want to save energy and money.

Water Heater

Set the temperature to a lower setting and save even more money with an ENERGY STAR water heater. You can also choose to turn the water heater off when you’re not at home or at night after everyone’s bathed and showered. On average, it only takes 30 to 40 minutes for a water heater to heat up, so when no one’s home, turn it off.   

Home Energy Assessment

An audit of your home’s energy consumption, also known as a home energy assessment, determines how energy is consumed and whether it is being used efficiently. Get a home energy evaluation to learn what steps you can take to improve efficiency.² Call a professional to conduct a home energy assessment or complete a self-assessment to determine where energy is being lost in your home. A DIY assessment involves a walk-through to notice any problem areas, such as doors and windows where air leaks or where insulation breaks down and needs replacing. Notice gaps around ductwork. Don’t forget to inspect the attic.

FPL Home, is an unregulated subsidiary of Florida Power & Light Company (FPL).  

¹ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/reducing-electricity-use-and-costs

² https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-energy-assessments