Buzz
Chances are, you’re spending more time indoors than ever before. Perhaps you're working remotely, your partner is too, the kids are home instead of at school, and your pets seem to be everywhere. It can certainly feel overwhelming.
One lesser-known side effect of the pandemic is how it impacts your utility bills. While this may seem trivial compared to the larger health crisis, the increase in bills might be a concern, especially with potential worries about income while staying at home. The last thing you need right now is a surprising utility bill piling onto your existing stress.
We won’t suggest you turn off the TV or sit in complete darkness, mostly because modern TVs are quite energy-efficient, and you’ve probably already switched to energy-saving light bulbs. But here are a few less obvious energy-saving tips to consider.
Avoid peak rate hours
Log into your utility account to check for peak rates or 'time of use' rates, as suggested by Brett Joerger, CEO of Westhaven Solar in California. Your rates can surge during peak hours, so choosing the right time for tasks like laundry can impact how much that cycle costs by the end of the month.
Understanding your peak hours allows you to optimize your home’s energy use. Joerger recommends adjusting your programmable thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature during off-peak hours and being more energy-conscious during peak periods.
The same strategy applies to your kitchen. For example, if you’re planning to bake a cake, you might want to choose a later time like 5 p.m. rather than noon, or vice versa.
Optimize your appliances
Since you're at home, why not take the opportunity to ensure your appliances and energy systems are in top condition? Joerger explains that appliances with motors, like freezers, HVAC systems, and pool pumps, consume the most energy, so it’s essential to make these energy drains as efficient as possible.
Vacuum under and behind your refrigerator to keep the condenser coils clean and functioning properly. These coils release heat, but when they’re clogged with dust and pet hair, the fridge has to work harder to keep your food chilled.
If you have a spare air filter on hand and it’s overdue for a change (which it likely is), replace it. Keeping your filters fresh in a central air system can reduce energy use by 5%-15%, as noted by the Department of Energy.
Lower the thermostat
Got more dishes to wash? Finally tackling that mountain of laundry?
“One of the largest energy consumers that people often overlook is the hot water heater,” explained Peter Callan, president of the energy efficiency company Lantern Energy. “So, be sure to only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they're fully loaded.”
A simple DIY fix is adjusting the temperature of your hot water heater. The Department of Energy suggests it’s a two-hour task, but in reality, it’s more of a quick half-hour job. Reducing the temperature by 10-20 degrees (never go below 120ºF) can lower your annual energy costs by up to 20%.
Inspect your fans
If you have ceiling fans, now is an ideal time to clean the blades and make sure you're not circulating dust throughout the room. While you're at it, check that your fans are set to the proper direction for the season. If you're still using heating, ensure the fan turns clockwise to push warm air down. If it’s warm outside, switch it to counter-clockwise.
Fans are cheap to operate and help you feel cooler (or warmer), so you can save money by adjusting your thermostat a few degrees.
Turn off the faucet
You’d be surprised how many people still leave the water running while brushing their teeth for a thorough two minutes. But there’s no need for embarrassment. If you’re one of those people, consider this: Turning off the faucet while brushing could save you about $65 annually on your water bill.
I’ll leave the handwashing tips to the pros, but another place you might conserve water is in the shower. Perhaps you usually shower at the gym in the morning, meaning you're lathering up at home more now. I enjoy a long, relaxing shower too, but given the current situation, you might be wondering if it’s time to cut back.
If you're up for it, try turning off the water while soaping up, and only turn it back on to rinse. Or pick a day of the week to set a timer and challenge your kids (or yourself) to see who can take the shortest shower. If these sound like a nightmare, you might consider skipping a shower every few days. If you're not as active as usual, you’re probably not as dirty.
