Chances are you’re one among millions of U.S. homeowners’ seeing energy costs rising; not a little, but a lot. Electricity rates rose significantly during the past 10 years and now average 33% more over that period. The more current period also was dim for any slowing of energy rate increases. In 2023, average rate increase for electricity rose 6.3%, the highest in the 21st century. Plus, another 7% in the next two years 2024-25. Homeowners in New England, Middle Atlantic and Pacific states do experience higher electricity costs than other areas of the country. Yet sadly, their rates increased 50% to 100% more over the last three years than lower-cost utility states in the South, Mountain, South Atlantic and Central states. If you heat your home with natural gas, propane or oil, forecasts indicate 5% to 9% lower costs. Hurrah. But associated infrastructure improvement costs are growing and these too are passed along by many utilities to homeowner customers. Oh well.
According to Caleb Brunz, Owner, Paul Davis Restoration of Greater MSP, homeowners do have smart ways to shave their monthly utility bills and when combined these tactics can put a helpful dent in the monthly bill. “Heating and cooling your home constitutes 43% of typical home energy expenses.” Increasing AC temperatures 7 to 10 degrees can cut as much as 10% off that cost annually. Lowering the heating temperature by 1 degree during cold months drops the monthly bill by an average of 3%. So being frugal with HVAC thermostat temperatures during summer, or winter, can have a positive effect. If your monthly energy bill is $275 each month you might save $35.75, or $429.00 annually.
Want to save more? Brunz has smaller, simple tips that together can really add up.
Start with household water consumption. Save as much as $200 annually. Use the optimum setting of 140F degree temperature for your water heater. You could save $36 to $61 annually by avoiding standby heat losses of higher settings.
Use cold water to wash clothes whenever possible. Because 90% of the electricity used to wash clothes goes toward heating the water.
Install a low-flow showerhead and time showers for 10 minutes. Save 5 gallons of water over taking a bath, and up to $145 each year on your electricity bill!
Consider doing your clothes and dish washing chores after the sun sets. Many utility companies charge more for energy that’s being used during peak times. Plan to run your dishwasher and washer and dryer when costs are cheaper.
Clear the air, consider using ceiling fans.
“Ceiling fans will help keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.” Since they use less energy than the furnace, or an A/C unit, you’ll be able to see the savings on your bill month after month! Just remember: Brunz explains, “If you use ceiling fans in the winter, make sure to reverse the direction. In the summer you want to push the cool air down to keep you cool. In the winter, you want to push the air up to displace the warm air that collects at the ceiling. So, in winter, make sure the blades of the fan are turning clockwise.”
Close off seldom used rooms a few days at a time.
If you live in a home with rarely used spaces, like a guest room or office space, close off these rooms a few days at a time. Consider rugs to insulate the floors and help them retain heat. In older homes that have wood floors and little to no insulation underneath, rugs and carpets prevent drafts.
Minimize clothes washing and drying costs.
Skip the dryer sheets and opt for wool dryer balls instead. They decrease drying time and allow you to skip fabric softener, saving you even more money. If you live in an area where the sun is constantly shining, consider air drying your clothes instead of throwing them in the dryer. They might take a little longer but the saving costs will be worth it!
The unplugging habit.
Get in the habit of unplugging an appliance instead of just turning it off. Even items that are turned off pull electricity when they are plugged in!
Contact your utility company.
Ask if they can do an energy audit. A home energy audit, sometimes free, can identify additional ways to reduce your energy usage.
Take charge. Be a watchdog.
Brunz also suggests, “Speak up. If your electric bill seems higher than usual, don’t be afraid to give your utility company a call. There may be cost-saving programs available to you! You are the best watchdog of what your energy costs are, and what they can be.”
