There are popular “dad” memes circulating social media, laughing at those parents who obsess about turning off the lights or not setting the AC unit below a certain degree in the hot summer months.
We all know parents like that. But it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, this mentality can save you money on utility bills!
One Easy Way Homeowners Can Save Money This Year
Being mindful of the energy vampires in your home – those systems or items that use the highest amount of energy or electricity to operate – is one easy way to be more frugal.
But which appliances, electronics or items in your home use the most energy? Hint: they make your home the most comfortable!
It may be no surprise that the highest energy use, especially in extreme Alabama weather, is heating and cooling systems. Following HVAC systems are water heaters and washers and dryers.
Here’s one list, ranking each item by how much energy it uses month-to-month.
- Cooling and heating units
- Water heater
- Clothes dryer
- Water pumps
- Space heaters
- Hairdryers
- Electric range burner
- Refrigerator
- Computer
- Light bulbs
For many of these appliances, the size, age, and location can impact how much energy is used.
Newer appliances typically have sustainability and lower energy impact in mind and will cost less in the long run by using electricity wisely.
Suppose your utility bills seem to go through the roof deep into summer or colder winter months, only to remain fairly consistent other times during the year. In that case, you may need to look at each system in your home closely and conduct your own energy audit.
Energy waste isn’t just for the large appliances
But don’t be so quick to blame everything on larger appliances in your home. Since we’ve all spent more time indoors, we may have noticed an uptick in power bills unrelated to the items mentioned above.
Even smaller appliances and electronics can be energy-wasters. The most common culprits are:
- Cable boxes
- Computers
- Printers
- DVDs/VCRs (if you still use those)
- Routers and Modems
- Landline phones
- Televisions
- Gaming systems
- Microwaves
- Central heating furnaces, even when off
Because so many families have turned their homes into makeshift offices or schools this year, a higher-than-usual electricity bill is quite common.
There are plenty of things you can do, however, to mitigate the energy loss in your home and create a more budget-friendly indoor environment.
How can I do a better job of saving money on energy costs?
In 2020, many homeowners want to save money on unnecessary expenses. Still, many don’t realize that most of us spend money they don’t need to every month in energy or electricity waste.
If you want to save money in your home, embrace the following practices:
- Unplug smaller appliances when not in use. If you run several smaller devices in a room like your kitchen, for example, unplug them when not in use. A coffee maker doesn’t necessarily need to be plugged in all day when you only drink coffee in the morning.
- Put electronics on a power cord, and turn off the power cord when not in use. This is an especially handy tip for electronics users. Chargers, gaming systems, cable boxes – all of those things can be major energy wasters. As kids go back to school full time, consider leaving some unplugged or turned off during the day.
- Look for the ENERGY STAR label on any new appliances you purchase. In the market for a new washer, dryer or refrigerator? You’re in luck. Most new appliances are much more mindful of energy use, but the only way to be sure it will use electricity wisely is to look for this label.
- Get an HVAC tune-up or check-up annually. Since your HVAC unit is one of your home’s biggest energy users, it makes sense to focus your time, energy, and resources making sure yours runs properly. If not, you could be looking at high energy bills year-round.
Call Dixie, And It’s Done!
At Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air, your satisfaction is guaranteed. For plumbing, electrical, or heating and air services, our highly trained technicians will do it right the first time, on time, every time. For coupons and discounts on all the services Call Dixie has to offer, click here. To schedule a service with Call Dixie, call 334.328.3570 for Montgomery, or call 334.246.4914 for Auburn. You can also schedule an appointment online.
For emergency service and immediate assistance, please call our 24/7 service line at 334.328.3570.
