These days, the number of appliances in a single home can reach double digits: you’ve got your fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher, washer & dryer—and way more once you start counting smaller appliances in as well. With so many appliances in the home, it’s easy to make a mistake or two that can lead to a higher utility bill.
To save you money this year, we’ve reached out to some appliance and energy experts to find out the top mistakes you’re probably making (and how to fix them ASAP).
Forgetting to Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
The first (and easiest) way to save money on your energy bills this year is by unplugging appliances when you aren’t using them, according to Clement Feng, the vice president of Product Management at Briggs and Stratton Energy Solutions.
“Just take a walk around your home and you’ll quickly identify items like your laptop, printer, coffee maker, phone chargers, and other items,” Feng says. “Your TV and video game consoles are using energy even when they are turned off because they are still plugged in.”
Feng also adds that appliances can be deceiving because their size doesn’t necessarily determine the amount of energy they consume, so also keep tabs on appliances that have small digital display screens like toasters and coffee makers—since keeping these plugged in can also contribute to higher utility costs.
Using Appliances During “Peak” Hours
Taking a look at your energy bill and determining if your energy provider charges more during “peak” hours (typically around midday) will also help you save money in the long run.
“Consider timing your appliances like the dishwasher, washer, and dryer to run later at night or early in the morning, when rates may be lowest,” Feng says.
Feng also recommends cooking later in the evening as well since that’s when electric rates are typically lower.
Having an Outdated or Unmaintained HVAC System
According to Mark Woodruff, senior product manager at Trane Technologies, heating and cooling accounts for nearly half of the energy use in your home, so HVAC mistakes are normally the biggest contributor to higher utility bills.
Having an HVAC system that’s too old or isn't maintained regularly can be a serious sinkhole for your money.
“If your existing furnace is approaching the end of its typical 15-to-20-year lifespan, requires frequent repairs, or simply doesn’t heat like it used to, replacing it is an all-around better choice,” Woodruff says.
Even though replacing an entire HVAC system can be costly, newer models are much more energy efficient and can save you money long-term.
If your HVAC system is relatively new, regular maintenance will ensure that it’s running to the best of its ability. Be sure to change filters, regularly inspect your ductwork, and schedule maintenance tune-ups as soon as something goes awry so your system can remain as energy-efficient as possible.
Using Heating Devices Incorrectly
With plummeting winter temperatures, you may be tempted to give your home an extra boost by bringing out the space heaters or increasing your thermostat settings—but this is hurting your pockets.
“Space heaters are great for warming up a small room but are not an efficient way of warming up a whole house,” says Brandon Young, CEO of Payless Power. “If you keep a couple of heaters on all day, your bill will be astronomical. Same with cranking the heat up or tinkering with it all the time. It’s best to set it to around 68°F when home and turn it down 6 degrees when away or for nighttime.“
According to Young, these changes can save you up to 10% annually.
Using Appliances Inefficiently
These days, almost all appliances will have one (or more) energy-saving settings that you can use—so actually use them, but you need to put in more effort if you want to save big bucks this year.
“Keeping your energy bills low in winter is not just about possessing energy-efficient appliances,” Young says. “It is about utilizing them efficiently. Small things like using your thermostat efficiently, running full loads in washing machines and dishwashers, cleaning filters, and servicing your appliances can make a great difference.”
So don’t overload washers or dryers (and don’t underload them either), don’t prewash dishes, and make sure your refrigerator is evenly stocked so the temperature inside can be distributed well. These are small changes that will have a big impact.
Read more at the spruce
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