Let’s face it – everything is more expensive now. If we go back to the previous decade or even a century before, a dollar could still go a long way. Did you know that between 1900-1910, one dollar could buy you 14.3 gallons of gasoline? Nowadays, that same amount could only get you around 0.3 gallons. Where did the 14 gallons go? Well, blame it on the rising costs of inflation. Year after year, the purchasing power of many consumers declined particularly those in the lower income bracket. One of the biggest markets affected by the continuous rise in prices is the energy sector.
If you think that electricity is expensive now, how much more is electricity going to cost in the coming years? As electricity and natural gas are the most-used energy sources at home, it is a non-negotiable expense and consumers need to endure the cost that comes with it. Electricity powers everything that we do in our homes. These include washing our clothes, taking a shower, working on our desktops or laptop, and even watching television. As for natural gas, it heats up our building during cold winter nights, cooks, and even dries our clothes. Did you know that about half of the homes in the US use natural gas for space and water heating? Thus, it is a vital component in energy consumption.
Due to climate change, we now experience harsher weather conditions. Cold winters become more brutal as winter storms become more menacing. The summer months also become unbearable due to the extreme heating conditions that people experience. Thus, energy usage has also skyrocketed in the past few years to make people more comfortable in their homes and offices. Who would want to take an ice-cold shower, right?
Nowadays, we can’t live without energy. Even a day of no electricity will disrupt our way of life. Thus, the demand for energy has never been so high. As many factors contribute to the high demand, the true cost of energy lies in how much people rely on it.
So, the question is, what can consumers do to save on electricity costs? As the new year is fast approaching, adopting good habits in conserving energy will help not only in saving money but also help to save the environment. Here are some of the ways you can save electricity in 2023:
Turn off electronic devices and lights when not in use
The easiest task to do in order to save money on electricity costs is by unplugging unused devices and turning them off when not in use. Did you know that there are varieties of electronic devices and appliances in our homes such as toasters, lamps, television, and microwaves that still consume energy even when they’re turned off? So, the best thing to do is to unplug them when done using them. Saves on energy and can even prevent a potential fire hazard.
Clean filters or replace them
Aside from the potential health problems caused by dust and allergens, dirty filters can make your HVAC system work harder and consume more energy than necessary. Make it a habit to clean and replace them immediately when you see dust buildup. You can even contact your HVAC contractors to replace them for you. There are many HVAC contractors in Fort Collins Co that have the expertise and knowledge on the right filters to use. You can even ask them for tips on how to handle dirty filters properly.
Switch to LED lights
Did you know that LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting? Not only will it save you money on energy consumption but can also save you money from buying bulbs all the time.
Insulate your home
One of our biggest energy consumptions happens during the winter as we need to efficiently heat up our homes. Make sure that all cracks, gaps, and holes are tightly sealed, and adding more insulation could save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs.
Make your home smart
Smart devices can actually help you save on energy costs as it allows you to remotely control your home’s heating and lighting. Invest in a smart thermostat so you can easily turn on the heating anywhere with a smartphone, particularly on those days when you are stuck in traffic and can’t get home early. No more wasted energy on an empty home.
Install energy-efficient windows
There is such a thing as an energy-efficient window which can help save more energy in your home. Adding a window film or solar shade will also keep sunlight inside your home, thus, saving energy on cooling.
Dress for the weather
As simple as dressing up for the weather can help in conserving energy in your home. Dress in warmer clothing during winter and light, airy clothes during the summer months to make you feel comfortable without putting your heater and AC to maximize use. If you notice that your heater or AC is not working properly, call HVAC contractors Fort Collins Co to ensure that it has no issues that could result in higher energy costs.
Start washing laundry in cold water
Did you know that you can save up to $63 a year on electricity bills when washing clothes in cold water instead of a heated one? If it’s uncomfortable, use gloves.
Switch to small or energy-efficient appliances
The biggest electricity user in our homes is our appliances. Every time you buy an appliance, no matter how big it is or how good it looks on your countertop, make sure that what you are buying is energy efficient as it will cost you in the long run. Also, opt for smaller appliances as they consume less electricity.
Upgrade your HVAC system
Has your HVAC seen better days? It might be time to replace it. Older HVAC systems have the tendency to consume more energy as it needs to work harder to heat up and cool your home. Also, frequent repairs will cost you more in the long run and will add up more to your expenses at home. Ask your friendly neighborhood HVAC contractors for good recommendations on units that will work best in your home.
