Make a Plan to Save 20% or More on Your Energy Bills

Did you know that many appliances and electronics continue to use power when plugged in, even if they’re turned off? To save on your utility bills, unplug devices or use power strips to easily cut the power to multiple devices at once.

The United States Department of Energy reports that homeowners can save anywhere between $100 and $200 each year by unplugging devices not in use. Typically, an item drawing a single watt of energy costs about one dollar to power annually.

Heating water can make up around 12% of a family’s utility bill, according to the Department of Energy. Installing low-flow showerheads and faucets can significantly reduce your water consumption, which, in turn, lowers your water heating costs. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the environment.

Save water in other ways, too. Wait until you have a full load before running your washing machine or dishwasher. Use cold water for laundry whenever possible, and air dry your clothes instead of using the dryer.

GE Appliances estimates that 75-90% of a washer’s energy is used to warm the water, so switching to cold can help reduce your energy bill — and still be effective at removing stains and keeping clothes clean!

Don’t forget to schedule regular maintenance for your appliances, including your HVAC system. Clean or replace filters, check for leaks, and ensure your system is running efficiently. A well-maintained system works less and saves you money.

The numbers tell the story about the importance of maintenance. Your furnace or heating system is responsible for about half of your energy bill. Changing the filters every three months means your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, saving you energy and money in the long run. A clean filter costs about $20 and can lower energy use by as much as 15 percent according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That means another 7.5 percent savings on your monthly bills.

Are your appliances running efficiently? Check the performance of your refrigerator, washer and dryer. If you have appliances that are more than a decade old, consider upgrading to energy-efficient models. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when shopping for new appliances—they use less energy and can save you money in the long run.

Make it a habit to monitor your utility bills closely for both usage and any potential errors. Many utility companies provide online tools or apps that allow you to track your usage over time so you can watch for patterns and get ahead of big beals. Watch for errors as well. From mistakes in meter readings to potential duplicate charges, common utility bill errors detract from your budget and cost you money, and you likely don’t realize it’s happening. Keeping an eye on monthly statements can help you identify areas where you can further cut costs, and keep watch over any errors.

Finally, if you are having trouble keeping up with utility bills, ask your utility company about a payment plan. Many companies offer a year-round plan that spreads costs out over 12 months. Sometimes called “level billing” or a utility payment plan, many find the billing plans helpful in that fluctuations in bill amounts are averaged out over the year to give you predictable bills and easier budgeting.

If you fall within a set income, State-based affordable payment plans might be available. These statewide programs provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households.

If you are behind on your billsbehind on your bills and would like to talk to someonetalk to someone, the trusted national nonprofit GreenPath can help you understand your situation and make a plan to meet your goals.