According to the latest statistics, an average American household will spend around $2,160 on home energy this year. Though it is a drop as compared to the previous years, $2,160 is still a big amount and this amount can be cut by 30% if the consumers use Energy star products that are built to save energy. If you are looking to save money, then the best place to start is by checking the energy consumption on major appliances around your home.
- Heating : $662
The HVAC system is the main culprit for energy usage especially during the winter months. A great way to save money is to seal and insulate all the air leaks and ducts in your home. You can save up to 20% this way. Make sure you get your equipment serviced each year to save on the energy consumption
- Cooling : $394
The same rules that were applied for heating is valid here as well. If you have a central air system, make sure you clean the ducts from time to time. If you have an air conditioner in your room, make sure the window unit is tightly fit so as to avoid outside air from coming into the room.
- Water Heater : $317
The water heater uses up to 14% of the energy especially since you will be using it to clean clothes, dishes and showers. If you use a new and energy efficient water heater, then you can cut the energy consumption by half. If you have natural gas available, make sure you buy tankless heaters that will heat water when required.
- Lighting : $269
This constitutes 12% of your bill. Make sure you use compact florescent light bulbs that use less energy and will last up to 10 times longer than a normal incandescent light bulb and you can save money on bills a replacement costs.
- Clothes dryer washer : $143
They account for 13% of your energy costs and washer and dryer will consume 6%. Since dryers uses more energy, using the dryer less is the only way to cut costs.
- Refrigerator : $95
This is money out of your pocket that can be reduced. The new efficient models in the market will help you a lot of money.
- Electric oven : $90
The rough estimate can be much lower if you use the oven less. Oven with self-cleaning feature will be more insulated and more energy efficient.
- TV, DVD and VCR : $57
A way to save electricity is to plug all of them into a power strip and when they are not being used, make sure you switch it off.
- Dishwasher : $49
Make sure you rinse the dishes and it can save up to 20 gallons of water before the dishes are loaded. The energy consumption is the same when you load the dishwater completely or half. So make sure you load it completely.
- Computer : $28
Using the computer and monitor make up 1% of the utility bill. Use a power strip to connect all your cables and turn off the strip when not in use.
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