Cutting down on household energy costs doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. With a few smart adjustments, you can lower your electric and gas bills while keeping your home cozy year-round. From small habit changes to larger home improvements, there are plenty of ways to reduce energy waste and save money. In this guide, we’ll explore practical and effective strategies to help you trim your utility expenses without compromising on convenience or warmth. Whether you’re looking for quick fixes or long-term solutions, these tips will put more money back in your pocket while making your home more energy-efficient.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Lower Your Electricity and Natural Gas Bill

• Be mindful if your power company offers off-peak hours at a reduced rate.
• Adjust your thermostat to minimum and maximum temperatures and dress appropriately for comfort.
• Unplug devices when not in use.  Some can still draw a small amount of power.
• Take advantage of existing timers and eco modes commonly found on major appliances such as refrigerators and TVs.
• Charge batteries during off-peak hours.
• Limit use of space heaters and air conditioning.
• Allow natural lighting vs artificial lighting during the day.
• Wash clothes during off-peak hours with cold water and air dry when possible.
• Use window shades to block sunlight to reduce cooling costs.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air in the proper direction for the season to reduce heating and cooling costs.
• Avoid using your oven while cooling your home with an appliance.
• Get necessary regular maintenance as required to HVAC systems and other major appliances.
• Confirm your refrigerator and freezer are set to the optimal temperature and the seals are intact.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors to reduce heating and cooling costs.
• Grow trees to provide shade for your home to reduce cooling costs.
• Consider getting a professional energy audit completed.

Energy Efficient Upgrades

When replacing anything that uses energy, consider the long term efficiency savings when determining the actual cost.  A good start is looking for the Energy Star certification.

• Many appliances have an energy star
• Switch and plug timers can allow you to automatically turn on and off lights and devices.
• Replace all incandescent lightbulbs with LEDs.
• Smart surge protectors can stop electronics from using electricity while off without the need to unplug them.
• When replacing windows, consider the long-term savings from efficiency.