With the financial burden of the global coronavirus pandemic and the constant threat to the environment energy waste can have, we’d all like to cut costs wherever we can. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2019, the average household in the United States spent an average of $115 per month on electric bills, with the highest prices being in Hawaii ($168 per month) and the lowest prices being in Utah ($76 per month).
As you can see, energy bill prices vary by state, weather, energy sources, etc. While some factors may be out of your control, there are ways you can reduce your energy use and save money on your monthly utility bills. Check out the following tips to do just that:
Switch to a ductless HVAC system.
There are many reasons to make the switch to a ductless HVAC system, including saving space, improving the air quality in your own home, and decreasing your carbon footprint by adhering to even higher energy efficiency standards than normal (ductless systems follow Energy Star guidelines). The most convincing reason, of course, is that people who use ductless HVAC systems get all these great benefits while they get to enjoy savings on their monthly energy bills.
According to Butler Heating & A/C Inc., ductless systems require less energy to operate and put the air directly into the room they are heating or cooling. Basically, getting a ductless HVAC system will benefit not only your thermostat but also your utility bills by keeping your home at an optimal temperature while using less energy. For heating and cooling needs in central Florida, consider getting in touch with Butler Heating & A/C Inc. to get an estimate.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that duct losses account for roughly 30 percent of “energy consumption for space conditioning.” Since ductless systems don’t use ducts, they automatically use less energy. Plus, since ductless HVAC systems use “zones” that depend on the amount of insulation keeping the air inside, they save energy and money by only needing to heat/cool an area when occupied (usually done easily with programmable thermostats).
Energy Star Appliances
When your appliances such as your dishwasher, clothes washer, dryer, or refrigerator go out, replacing them with appliances that prioritize energy efficiency will save you money on your monthly bills and help lessen your environmental impact. For example, a C Net article from last year reported that using a dishwasher that prioritizes energy efficiency instead of hand washing your dishes can save as much as 5,000 gallons of water, $40 off your energy costs, and 230 hours of your time.
This C Net article emphasizes the importance of replacing an old dryer as well since old dryers can waste up to 20 percent more energy. They also suggest getting a low-flow showerhead and not spending such a long time in the shower as a relatively easy (and cheap) way to save you up to $145 each year on your electric bill (and save the planet some water).
Watch that thermostat.
According to the C Net article, getting a programmable thermostat can save you as much as 10 percent on your electric bill. They also suggest getting a ceiling fan the first time it gets hot because it can make the room feel ten degrees cooler.
Bonus tip: Since roughly 90 percent of the energy consumption used to clean your clothes comes from heating the water with the water heater (according to the C Net article), use cold water instead of hot water not to use so much energy.
Use your energy savings on your social life.
Now that you’re saving a lot of money on your monthly bills by using less electricity, you can either use your extra cash on new projects, go out to the pub more with your friends, or fully enjoy living the single life in the UK. Whether you’re married and desire to go on a vacation in the United Kingdom with your spouse or you’re a single person embracing the nightlife in a European country, the only way to meet new people and get the most out of life is by going out and doing it.
London, for example, is known for its incredible nightlife. However, you can also find many interesting people in a small pub in the smaller towns as well. Being single can be fun, so enjoy it while you can. But, once you’re ready, be sure not to turn your nose up too quickly at love. Get out there and find it (even if you must resort to dating apps).
