7 Smart Strategies to Slash Your Gas and Energy Bills

With groceries, housing, and other costs remaining stubbornly high despite slowing inflation, many households are looking for ways to cut expenses where they have more control. One significant area where savings can add up is your monthly gas and electricity bill. Fortunately, there are simple yet effective ways to reduce energy consumption and lower costs.

Here are seven strategies to help you keep more money in your pocket.

1. Request an Energy Audit

Lowering your energy bill may seem like a challenge, especially if you’re unsure whether your home’s appliances are operating efficiently. That’s where an energy audit comes in.

An energy audit involves a thorough inspection of your home to identify potential energy inefficiencies, such as air leaks, outdated insulation, or inefficient appliances. An expert can provide recommendations on upgrades that could save you anywhere from 5% to 30% on your energy bills. Over the years, this could translate into thousands of dollars in savings.

Many utility companies offer energy audits for free or at a discounted rate, so check with your provider to see if this service is available. Alternatively, you can conduct a DIY audit using the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver Guide.

2. Unplug “Vampire” Appliances

Did you know that many household appliances continue to use electricity even when they’re turned off? These energy-draining devices—known as “vampire” appliances—can account for 5% to 10% of your total energy usage, potentially adding more than $100 per year to your bill.

Common culprits include cable and satellite boxes, coffee makers, phone chargers, and gaming consoles. To reduce unnecessary energy consumption, unplug these items when not in use or use a power strip with an on/off switch to easily disconnect multiple devices at once.

3. Use Less Hot Water

Water heating accounts for approximately 18% of a home’s total energy consumption. While taking cold showers may not be the most appealing way to save, there are other ways to cut down on hot water usage without sacrificing comfort.

One simple strategy is to wash clothes in cold water. Modern detergents are designed to be effective at lower temperatures, so you can still get clean laundry while using less energy. Additionally, consider lowering your water heater’s preset temperature. Many units are set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit by default, but the Department of Energy recommends reducing it to 120 degrees for optimal efficiency.

4. Use a New Dishwasher Instead of Handwashing Dishes

Contrary to popular belief, using a dishwasher is often more energy-efficient than washing dishes by hand—especially if you have a newer model. On average, handwashing can use up to 27 gallons of hot water per day, while a modern dishwasher consumes only about 6 gallons per cycle.

To maximize energy savings, run the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded and use the energy-saving or eco mode if your machine has one. Also, allow dishes to air dry instead of using the heat-dry setting.

5. Run Appliances Only When They’re Full

Your washing machine, dishwasher, and dryer consume the same amount of energy regardless of how full they are. Running these appliances with half loads wastes both energy and water, increasing your overall utility bill.

Treat each load as if you were paying per use—wait until the machine is full before running it. This habit can significantly cut down on both energy and water consumption, leading to noticeable savings over time.

6. Adjust Heating and Cooling When You’re Away

Heating and cooling make up more than half of the average household’s utility bill. Adjusting your thermostat when you’re not home can lead to significant savings.

If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to lower the heat or raise the AC temperature while you’re away. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, make it a habit to manually adjust the temperature before leaving. Even a small change can make a big difference in your monthly costs.

For example, lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day in the winter can save you up to 10% on heating costs annually.

7. Change Air Filters Regularly

Air conditioners and furnaces work harder when their filters are clogged with dust and debris, leading to increased energy use and higher bills. Replacing your air filters every 60 to 90 days helps maintain airflow and efficiency, reducing unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.

Not only will this save you money, but it will also improve indoor air quality and extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling units.

Conclusion

While you may not be able to implement all these strategies at once, even making a few small changes can lead to significant savings over time. Requesting an energy audit, unplugging vampire appliances, using less hot water, running full loads of laundry and dishes, adjusting heating and cooling settings, and replacing air filters regularly are all simple yet effective ways to reduce your gas and electricity bills.

By adopting these energy-efficient habits, you can enjoy lower monthly expenses while also benefiting the environment. Start making these changes today, and watch your savings add up!