13 Ways We Can All Become More Energy Efficient

Emily Fazio
·2 min read

Are you focused on your home's energy consumption? Rising energy costs have made way for smarter energy usage. If you thought you were doing everything you could to promote energy savings at home, think again. From reducing phantom energy loss to replacing inefficient heating systems, there are many things you can do to save money this year.

To learn more, we connected with Maureen Minkel, Senior Director of Energy Efficiency and Conservation at South Jersey Industries. She recommended the following list of best practices to lower utility bills.

Best Practices for Energy Efficiency

  • Install a smart thermostat and save up to 8% on heating and cooling costs (EPA)

  • Keep your home at a comfortable temperature using fans. In warmer seasons, run ceiling fans clockwise to push cool air down; using a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about four degrees without impacting your comfort.

  • Turn off the lights in unoccupied rooms.

  • In the kitchen, don’t open the oven to peek in – you’ll lose energy plus it works harder to raise the temperature back to its heat setting.

  • Use the microwave for short reheating and cooking needs.

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  • Unplug small appliances with timers and always-on features – such as coffeemakers – to save even more energy than just turning it off.

  • Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.

  • Wash your clothes in cold water if possible. Wash and dry only full loads of laundry or reduce cycle times for partial loads.

  • Unplug personal devices when they’re fully charged – even when charged 100%, devices still draw electricity from the source.

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  • Turn off both the computer’s monitor and hard drive if you're not going to use your personal computer for more than 2 hours.

  • Replace air filters regularly.

  • Lower the temperature on your water heater, which might be set to a default 140 degrees, to 120 degrees. Water heating alone accounts for about 19% of a home’s energy use home, according to the Energy Information Administration.

  • Consider getting a home energy assessment and take expert advice on how to reduce energy waste and incorporate renewable energy solutions.

Other Ways to Save

If you thought the savings was limited to your major appliance brand, think again. Many local and regional incentives are available from gas and electric companies to help homeowners save on their energy bills. Over the years, they've gifted us new programmable thermostats, given coupons to transition to LED light bulbs, and made referrals to solar panel installers. Check with your local energy provider to learn more about other solutions that can help you save money. Offers vary between companies and geographies, but some of the more popular kickbacks include:

  • Energy-efficient appliance, HVAC and hot water heater rebates

  • Special financing for new HVAC systems

  • Free in-home energy audits

  • Free or reduced weatherization for income-qualified homeowners

Related: This Company’s Eye to Sustainability Starts With Solar—And it Comes With a New Look