How to Reduce Your Home Energy Bill

Cold midwestern winters almost always mean higher home energy bills. If you’re looking for a few ways to save money this season—and throughout the rest of the year—here are a few tips to help keep your energy use in check.

1. Change your heating habits.

Did you know that your furnace is responsible for nearly one-third of the energy used in your home? A few changes to your heating routine can go a long way in helping you save money this season.

Heating tips from We Energies include:

• Install a programmable thermostat so that you can easily control the temperature in your home and avoid running the heat when you don’t need it.
• >Install weatherstripping in your windows and doors to cut back on draftiness and prevent cold air from leaking indoors.
• Regularly change your air filter to keep your furnace running efficiently.

2. Use appliances wisely.

From your refrigerator to your washing machine, all of your large appliances use a lot of energy. Luckily, there are quick changes you can make around the house to reduce the cost on running your major appliances.

Switch to washing clothes in cold water, let dishes and laundry air dry instead of running the heat setting or using the dryer on every load, and make easy changes like unplugging old, unused refrigerators in the garage or basement to instantly start saving money.

3. Switch to energy-efficient lighting.

Changing out your lightbulbs is an easy task that could save you more than $200 a year, according to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.

The key is to opt for LED bulbs with ENERGY STAR certification instead of incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs not only use less energy, but they also last much longer than traditional bulbs, which means you won’t need to change the lights in your lamps and light fixtures as often.

4. Upgrade to an energy-efficient water heater.

It costs an average of $400 to $600 to run your water heater each year. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, consider purchasing a more efficient unit that can help you save money on your monthly energy bill.