When it comes to saving money by lowering utility bills, many people lack knowledge of ways they can do so without compromising on comfort. While utility bills keep climbing, we have prepared a list of simple things you can do to save energy and lower your utility bills. Most of these tips do not require professional intervention, making them more effective in saving. However if you do need the help of a professional company, Hunt’s Services provides dependable HVAC maintenance in Tacoma and Seattle to keep your systems running smoothly throughout the year.
1. Reset your thermostat
Your thermostat controls way more than just comfort levels. During winters, try dropping the setting by two measly degrees and watch heating costs plummet by 6-8%. Honestly, many people can’t even feel the difference between 72 and 70 degrees, but your wallet will definitely notice.
During summer, you can pump up your AC from 75 to 78 degrees. This may sound awful at first, but your body adapts faster than you’d expect. Usually takes just a few days to get used to it.
Programmable thermostats handle this automatically. These gadgets trim about 10-15% off yearly energy bills. With this thermostat, you can program realistic schedules.
2. Change your light bulbs
When it comes to lighting, natural lighting is the most cost-effective and energy-saving. Due to house design constraints, some people are forced to depend on electricity to light their houses. In such a situation, you should change your bulbs to LED ones. Although LED bulbs are more expensive initially, they last 25 times longer and consume 75% less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs. You can usually save $75 a year by switching to LEDs for only five of your most utilized bulbs.
Well-positioned mirrors can be used to reflect sunlight farther into spaces. Always practice saving tips, like avoiding keeping empty houses perfectly comfortable all day when nobody’s home until 6 PM.
3. Water Heating Wisdom
Water heating eats up roughly 18% of your energy budget. Most water heaters come set at 140 degrees straight from the factory. Drop it to 120 degrees instead. You’ll still get scalding hot showers, but you’ll waste less energy maintaining that temperature.
Insulation makes a massive difference. Wrap your tank and pipes for about $30 in materials. This simple weekend project can cut heat loss by 25-45%. It takes maybe an hour, and you don’t need any special skills.
4. HVAC Maintenance Matters
Regular maintenance boosts efficiency by 15-20% while making equipment last longer. Change air filters monthly during peak seasons. Costs under $5 but prevents your system from working overtime due to clogged filters.
Professional tune-ups run $100-150 but often pay for themselves through better performance. Technicians clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and optimize everything.
Many utility companies offer rebates for professional maintenance, making expert care more affordable than you’d think.
In Tacoma, homeowners can find HVAC rebates and incentives from Puget Sound Energy (PSE), Tacoma Power, and through the Washington State Department of Commerce. PSE offers rebates for installing heat pumps, particularly for those switching from natural gas heating. Tacoma Power offers rebates for installing new heat pumps, including both central and non-variable speed options. Additionally, the federal government offers tax credits for energy-efficient HVAC systems, including air conditioners.
5. Appliance Efficiency Secrets
Refrigerators and freezers work best when they’re neither stuffed nor nearly empty. Keep reasonable food levels for optimal performance. Clean those refrigerator coils twice yearly. It takes 15 minutes but can boost efficiency by 30%. Most people completely forget about this simple task.
Compared with hot water cycles, cold water washing uses 90% less energy. The majority of materials prefer milder washing temperatures, and modern detergents perform exceptionally well in lower temperatures. Although the weather isn’t always cooperative, air-drying garments fully removes the need for dryer electricity.
Only run washing machines and dishwashers when they are completely loaded. Partial loads are a waste of resources because these appliances consume about the same amount of energy whether they are packed or half-full.
6. Power Management Strategies
Electronics suck power even when turned off through phantom loads. These sneaky power draws consume 5-10% of residential electricity. Power strips with switches let you disconnect multiple devices at once.
Unplug phone chargers when not in use. Enable sleep modes on computers. Smart power strips automatically cut standby power, so you don’t have to remember manual shutoff.
7. Timing Your Energy Usage
Ever notice how your electric company sends those confusing rate charts? Turns out, they’re actually useful. Lots of utility companies charge way less during off-peak hours, sometimes 30-50% cheaper overnight. You can utilize these rate drops by running your dishwasher and washing machine when rates drop. Other than that, you can do laundry in the morning before work or late at night after dinner. These are usually the off-peak hours when rates are low compared to during the day.
8. Quick Upgrades That Make Sense
Ceiling fans are seriously underrated. Install one, and you can crank your thermostat up 3-4 degrees in summer without feeling miserable. These things cost maybe $50-200, but they only use as much power as a regular light bulb. The moving air tricks your body into feeling cooler.
Window treatments matter more than most people think. Heavy curtains in winter can cut heat loss by about 25%. Summers are different in that light-colored blinds bounce heat away from windows before it gets inside. Both upgrades usually run under $100 per room, and they last for years.
Don’t forget about dryer vents. Most people ignore this completely, but lint buildup is a real problem. Clean them out regularly every few months. It takes maybe 30 minutes but can cut drying time by 25-40%. Plus, you won’t burn your house down.
For more info on HVAC Maintenance services in Tacoma and Seattle, visit https://www.huntsservices.com/.