{"id":17308,"date":"2021-10-04T05:18:46","date_gmt":"2021-10-04T05:18:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alternatech.net\/?p=17308"},"modified":"2021-10-04T05:18:48","modified_gmt":"2021-10-04T05:18:48","slug":"clever-ways-to-slash-your-home-energy-bills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/clever-ways-to-slash-your-home-energy-bills\/","title":{"rendered":"Clever Ways to Slash Your Home Energy Bills"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class='\"has-text-align-right\"'>PJ Feinstein\n\n\n\n</p><p>From common sense tips to high-tech devices, it&rsquo;s never been easier to lower your energy bills\u2014even when the temperature outside is extreme.\n\n\n\n</p><h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Unplug unused devices\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Energy vampires are plugged-in devices that draw electricity even when they\u2019re turned off or not being used, explains &nbsp;Jill Caponera, a consumer savings expert for Promocodes.com. This standby power is what keeps the clock ticking on your cable box, your Amazon Echo waiting for its next \u201cAlexa\u201d command, and your TV\u2019s settings in place. While that\u2019s unarguably convenient, it can cost the average U.S. household $100 per year, according to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency &amp; Renewable Energy. You can eliminate these phantom loads simply by unplugging your devices. Caponera suggests using smart power strips that can be set to turn off at specific times of the day or during periods of inactivity.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img fetchpriority='\"high\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"466\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/plugs.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-17309\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plugs.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Get smart about your thermostat\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Smart thermostats can help you lower your energy bills by automatically adjusting heating and cooling settings within a range of comfortable temperatures. Some, like the\u00a0\u00a0ecobee4, can also adjust your home\u2019s temperature based on whichever rooms are occupied. (Keeping rooms cool when there\u2019s nobody in them can be a huge waste of energy.) According to Caponera, the average smart thermostat will save you $180 per year on your energy bills and will analyze your energy usage with monthly breakdowns.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"466\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/thermostat-1.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-17357\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/thermostat-1.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Switch to energy-efficient LED lighting\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Did you know that LED light bulbs can use up to 90 percent less energy than standard incandescents? Yes, they cost more upfront than ordinary bulbs, but in addition to saving you money on your electric bill, they last about 15 times longer so you won\u2019t have to spend money replacing them.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"466\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/change-light.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-17358\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/change-light.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Turn off the lights\n\n\n\n</h2><p>According to Energy Star, the cost to light your home accounts for about 20 percent of your electric bill, or an average of $200 per year. If you\u2019re guilty of always leaving the lights on, try a smart light switch like ecobee Switch+ that will automatically turn off your lights a few minutes after you leave a room. You can also use them to turn on your lights, so you don\u2019t have to come home to a completely dark house.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"466\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/lights.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-17359\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/lights.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Install a whole house fan\n\n\n\n</h2><p>By turning off your air conditioning and using a whole house fan at night, you can save money on your energy bill in your sleep. \u201cA whole house fan pulls in the cool night air from outside while pushing out the hot air that has been sitting in your home all day,\u201d You could pay slightly more than $1,000 for the whole house fan and installation, but you\u2019ll easily recoup that money with lowered energy bills, she says.\u00a0\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"466\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/fan-1.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-17360\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/fan-1.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Avoid the oven\n\n\n\n</h2><p>When your air conditioning unit is working to cool your house, avoid using appliances that radiate excess heat. \u201cOpt to cook with the microwave or stove top when possible,\u201d Better yet, fire up the grill and cook outside. \n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"466\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/oven.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-17361\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/oven.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Mind your landscaping\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Keezer also suggests planting leafy trees and tall shrubs on the south-facing side of your house to block some of the direct sunlight from the hot summer sun; even window boxes with flowers can help, too. And while you\u2019re outside, make sure that there aren\u2019t any bushes blocking air flow around your HVAC unit. It will have to work harder and longer to cool your house if overgrown shrubs are restricting the airflow.\u00a0\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"466\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/landscaping.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-17362\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/landscaping.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Upgrade your shades\n\n\n\n</h2><p>When picking window treatments for your home, consider insulated cellular shades, which can increase energy savings by making your windows more efficient. The Department of Energy reports that these single-cell shades, also known as honeycomb shades, can reduce heat loss in the winter by at least 40 percent and prevent unwanted solar heat in the summer by up to 80 percent. \u201cEven better, these shades can be automated, allowing them to be programmed to rise and fall at certain times of the day to support your energy savings,\u201d explains Brianna Goodwin\n\n\n\n</p><h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Make your windows more efficient\n\n\n\n</h2><p>If you have the money, replacing old windows with energy efficient ones is a worthwhile investment, as they also add value to your home. A lower-cost option is to install window film that blocks out the summer sun\u2019s heat, reducing demand on your cooling system, and helps keep warm indoor air from escaping during the winter.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"466\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/window-1.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-17363\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/window-1.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Change your furnace filter\n\n\n\n</h2><p>A clogged or dirty furnace filter can create a lot of pressure on its motors, making your furnace work harder, explains Chevie Publicover of\u00a0JPS Furnace &amp; Air Conditioning. The harder your furnace works, the more energy it uses, so start replacing the filter on a regular schedule. An app like HomeZada can create a maintenance calendar and remind you of this and other energy-saving tasks to help lower your bills.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"466\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/filter.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-17364\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/filter.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Use less hot water\n\n\n\n</h2><p>The average household spends $400 to $600 on water heating every year; that\u2019s approximately 18 percent of your utility bills. An easy way to cut back on your hot water usage is to take shorter showers, or go a step further and install a smart shower head to monitor your water usage and temperature. Use it to turn shower time into a competition to see which family member can use the least amount of water.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"466\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/sink.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-17365\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/sink.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Optimize your laundry routine\n\n\n\n</h2><p>To conserve energy while cleaning your clothes, Sarah Hancock of BestCompany.com recommends waiting until you have a full load in the washer to run it and using lower-temperature settings. When possible, air dry your clothing rather than using the dryer, but if you do use the dryer, be sure to clean the lint trap before starting. Every once in a while, remove the vent duct that connects the back of your dryer to the outside of the house and clean that out, too.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"466\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/laundry.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-17366\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/laundry.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PJ Feinstein From common sense tips to high-tech devices, it&rsquo;s never been easier to lower your energy bills\u2014even when the temperature outside is extreme. Unplug unused devices Energy vampires are plugged-in devices that draw electricity even when they\u2019re turned off or not being used, explains &nbsp;Jill Caponera, a consumer savings expert for Promocodes.com. This standby\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17367,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[100,96,30,46,6,31,32],"class_list":{"0":"post-17308","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tie-life-style","8":"tag-diy","9":"tag-diy-home","10":"tag-household-hacks","11":"tag-life-hacks","12":"tag-life-style","13":"tag-tips","14":"tag-tricks"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Three-Frame-Tea-Set-Photo-Facebook-Cover.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17308","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17308"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17308\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17367"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17308"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17308"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17308"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div>