100 Ways to “Reduce the Load” ….and Lower Your Electricity Bill

Save Real Money with These Practical, Energy-Saving Tips!

In today’s world, we all want to save money. At Air-Tro, we can help you lower your utility costs and save energy all at the same time.

For example, did you know that the Department of Energy reports that you can reduce up to 15% on your energy bill just by replacing your HVAC air filter?

That’s a lot! Read below for more tips on ways to “lower the load” in your home or office. Because at Air-Tro, we’re all about saving you money and…. keeping you comfortable 24/7, every day of the year.

Around the House

#1
Use weather stripping to seal window leaks and reduce energy loss from the inside to the outside of your home. Research has demonstrated this inexpensive fix can save you up to 20% when it comes to energy bills.

#2
Fireplaces can mean unnecessary drafts. When it’s really cold, avoid use and shut the flue to keep warmer air from inside your home.

#3
Keep curtains and shades open on sunny days in winter to warm air naturally!

#4
Is your home well insulated? If not, think about upgrading to fiberglass or expanding foam for maximum energy efficiency.

#5
Have plenty of throws, duvets and blankets around the house for cozying up without turning up the heat.

#6
Use door snakes to block drafts from doors.

#7
Insulate your attic stairwell opening to prevent drafts and keep warm air inside.

#8
Window shutters are a great way to insulate and decorate the inside of your home.

#9
Close your blinds and drapes on hot days to avoid generating indoor heat.

#10
Try to avoid portable heaters wherever possible. They use up a lot of energy and are often safety hazards.

#11
Consider adding more insulation behind the walls of your home.

#12
Make sure all bare floors are covered with rugs or carpeting to add insulation.

#13
Keep doors inside your home open at all times to allow maximum airflow!

#14
Make sure windows and doors to the outside are closed when using heating or air conditioning.

#15
Consider using ceiling fans to help air circulate better.

#16
During cooler months, pull shades and curtains shut at night to keep warm air inside.

#17
Buy insulated glass windows to better insulate your home.

#18
Inspect your attic and basement for cracks and holes to the outside.

#19
Make sure your insulation is dry, and intact. Critters, leaks and other problems can damage it, making your insulation less effective and your home less energy efficient.

#20
Always turn off kitchen or bathroom fans as soon as possible after use.

#21
In the winter, be sure to keep your kitchen door open to the rest of the house while cooking to help keep it warm throughout your home.

#22
Replace old doors with more energy efficient models. You’ll improve your home’s appearance, too!

#23
Always cover glass doors with drapes or shades to insulate your home.

#24
You may want to install a fan inside your attic to cool on the hottest days. This depends on whether you have an appropriate venting system, however, so make sure you discuss with an HVAC professional first.

Thinking About Appliances

#25
Using a power strip can save you big money when it comes to electricity bills. Turn off the power strip when you’re not using those items attached to it. In contrast, things plugged directly into the wall are always drawing power whether they’re “on” or not.

#26
Try to avoid opening and shutting refrigerator door more times than necessary.

#27
Clean the dust from the coils on the bottom or back of your fridge. Your refrigerator will cool more effectively for less!

#28
Check the door seals on your refrigerator. Broken or ripped seals let energy escape.

#29
Clean your garbage disposal so it doesn’t have to work as hard during operation.

30
Consider resetting your water heater to 120 degrees. It’s still very comfortable, but you’ll save up to 10% on your energy bill.

#31
Install light timers for convenience, safety and to avoid unnecessary energy usage around the house when you don’t need it.

#32
Throw a clean, dry towel in with your wet clothes when running the dryer. It will shorten overall dry time by about 20 minutes!

#33
Make sure all your appliances and HVAC equipment are Energy Star certified for high performance and low energy usage.

#34
Swap out incandescent bulbs for LED or CFL models.

#35
Avoid using halogen bulbs altogether. They use up a lot of energy.

#36
Consider using Energy Star certified lighting along with Energy Star certified appliances.

#37
Put in dimmer switches on all your light fixtures to avoid using max energy all the time.

#38
Put in manual timers so you don’t leave lights on when you don’t have to.

#39
Make sure you set your non-Energy Star appliances to “power save” wherever possible.

#40
Keep your refrigerator temp between 30 and 42 degrees for maximum efficiency.

#41
Replace an old refrigerator with an Energy Star model. Older refrigerators are notorious for using tons of energy.

#42
Get rid of extra refrigerators in your garage or office space. They use up a lot of energy and frequently go unused.

#43
Keep the oven door closed when you’re using it.

#44
Keep your oven clean, as a dirty oven uses far more energy to warm up than a cleaner one.

#45
Don’t use a bigger burner than necessary when cooking on your stove.

#46
Use the economy setting on your dishwasher.

#47
Only run full loads in your washer and dryer.

#48
Only run full loads in your dishwasher.

#49
Laundry detergent doesn’t need hot water to work effectively. Consider washing your clothes in cold. They’ll last longer, too!

#50
Don’t run the dryer to get your clothes “bone-dry.” Slightly damp is fine. It’s harder on your garments and wastes energy.

#51
Change the lint trap on your dryer every time after using.

#52
Make sure your dryer is vented to the outside, and that that vent is working properly.

#53
Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Toasters and toaster ovens use a lot of watts when plugged in, even when not in use.

#54
Unplug electronics chargers when you’re not using them.

#55
Turn off your electronic devices when not in use.

#56
Invest in an Energy Star certified television.

#57
Fix leaky faucets and drips immediately.

#58
Install low-flow toilets.

#59
Install low-flow showerheads.

#60
Consider keeping a clock in the bathroom to encourage family members to take shorter showers.

#61
Inspect pipes regularly for leaks.

#62
Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees for maximum comfort and energy efficiency.

#63
Turn off your water heater when you travel.

#64
Insulate your water heater.

#65
Insulate the water pipes coming from your water heater!

#66
Get rid of old appliances. They use a lot of energy and chances are, aren’t working properly anyway.

#67
Turn off your television when not in use.

#68
Turn off your ice maker. It’s an energy drain.

#69
Air-dry laundry wherever possible, instead of using the dryer.

#70
Keep your refrigerator and freezer as full as possible. Both will work more efficiently.

For Outside Your Home

#71
Who wants to mow a lawn anyway? Get rid of this water-wasting feature and put in a patio instead.

#72
Consider landscaping that uses less water. Many xeriscapes are attractive, low cost and easy to install, requiring far less irrigation than a conventional lawn and more well-known plants.

#73
Put in motion sensors outside so you don’t have to keep outdoor lights on all the time when it gets dark.

#74
Plant trees and window covering shrubs on the sunny side of your home, to keep things cooler during the summer.

#75
Upgrade your roof to incorporate reflective coating or use energy saving reflective material.

#76
Think about adding reflective coating to your windows to save energy.

#77
Add mulch to everything in your garden to reduce water usage.

#78
Change irrigation times so your outside sprinklers aren’t going on during the hottest times of the day.

#79
Make sure you use a pool cover.

#80
Use solar heating for your swimming pool.

#81
Turn off your pool heater when you’re traveling.

#82
Make sure your swimming pool pump is sized correctly for your home.

#83
Fix a broken sprinkler immediately.

For Your Heating and Cooling System

#84
Remember to set your thermostat at 68 degrees while at home to save money and maintain indoor comfort during the colder months.

#85
Schedule an HVAC inspection. Older and less efficient systems cost more to operate, and broken parts can often lead to much higher bills.

#86
A programmable thermostat is a game changer for energy efficiency. You’ll control your spend throughout the year. Inexpensive and easy to install, smart thermostats can reduce your energy usage by up to 20%.

#87
Check your air ducts for leaks and to ensure every joint is tightly sealed.

#88
Change your air filters regularly. The EPA recommends every 3 months, but some people insist on once a month, especially if they own pets.

#89
Make sure all your air vents and registers are open and air is flowing, even in rooms you don’t use. Blocking airflow into certain rooms will create pools of warmer or colder air in certain parts of your ductwork, forcing your equipment to work harder to do the same job.

#90
In the summer, be sure to leave your thermostat temperature at a higher setting when you aren’t home.

#91
In the winter, be sure to lower your thermostat temperature setting when you aren’t home.

#92
On colder days, put on a sweater and keep your temperature setting a few degrees cooler than you might otherwise. Even a thermostat setting of 68 will cost you far less than 70 degrees.

#93
On warmer days, avoid setting the thermostat below 75 degrees.

#94
Make sure your thermostat isn’t in a doorway or in direct sunlight most of the time. It needs to be able to measure indoor temperatures accurately to work well.

#95
Consider a heat pump for your heating needs.

#96
Talk to your heating and air conditioning expert about solar power.

#97
Check to make sure all air vents are clear from furniture, boxes, or other household items.

#98
Consider electric baseboard heating.

#99
Make sure your HVAC is sized appropriately for your home. A too-large or too-small system will not only work less effectively, costing you more money, but wear out sooner too.

#100
Check with your energy company to see when peak rates apply. Avoid doing laundry or running the dishwasher during these expensive times.

Consider the Alternatives

Technology has changed over the years, and today there are many options available for energy efficient heating and cooling. Talk to an HVAC specialist about solar power, heat pumps and other technologies that can save energy while costing you less to operate.