Suggestions on how to optimize your use of electricity
- Turn off the lights. About 12% of a typical residential utility bill can be attributed to lighting.
- Switch to LEDs. LED lightbulbs are significantly more efficient than incandescent bulbs, with energy savings of at least 75%.
- Adjust your thermostat. Set your thermostat to 78°F during summer and 68°F during winter to save energy. Note that each degree of additional heating or cooling can increase energy usage by around 6% to 8%.
- Cold water washing. By washing your clothes in cold water, not only can you save up to 75% on energy compared to warm or hot washing, but you can also extend the lifespan of your clothes.
- Zap it. Microwave ovens are much more energy-efficient compared to gas and electric ovens, using only about half the amount of energy.
- Use your ceiling fan. Using a ceiling fan during the summer can help you increase the temperature on your thermostat by about 4°F without sacrificing comfort.
- Give your computer a rest. When a computer is in "sleep" mode, it consumes less than 5% of the energy used when it is active.
- Air seal your home. By properly sealing any cracks, gaps, and leaks in your home and adding insulation, you can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 10%.
- Calculate your usage. Are you curious about how much it costs to use your appliances? Take a look at the We Energies Electric Appliance Calculator to get an estimate. This helpful tool can give you an idea of how much energy and money you might be spending on your appliances.
Sources:
"25 Energy-efficient Tips To Lower Electricity Costs," directenergy.com/learning-center/25-energy-efficiency-tips
"Low- to No-Cost Tips for Saving Energy at Home," energystar.gov/products/top_10_tips_renters