30 Tips to Start the New Year Saving Energy & Money

By Danielle Brusby

These days, nearly everyone is looking for ways to save money and be more efficient with energy use.

As we start the new year, work to decrease your energy footprint. Simple changes can make a big difference over the life of a home— and there is no better time to take steps toward a healthier utility bill and a cleaner environment.

1. Unplug items from the wall and turn off the power strips. Many devices use electricity even when turned off, including TVs, printers, chargers, copiers, coffee makers, microwaves, and lamps.
2. Switch off lights when leaving the room. It’s an easy way for every member of your household to contribute to energy savings.
3. Plug electronics into a smart power strip. Replace standard power strips with advanced power strips. Smart power strips can detect when a device is in standby mode and cut power off to save energy. A standard power strip must be physically turned off when not in use.
4. Use a programmable thermostat. Set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature, but program it to raise and lower the temperature when you are away from home or sleeping to save on heating and cooling costs.
5. Use dimmer switches. Dimmer switches reduce the flow of electricity, saving you energy and money.
6. Lower your water heater temperature. For safety and efficiency, set your water heater thermostat to 120 F.
7. Weatherstrip exterior doors and windows. Sealing air leaks around doors and windows saves energy and can reduce heating and cooling costs 10% to 30%.
8. Check the settings on your refrigerator. The fridge should be between 38 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer should be between 0 and 5 degrees. Also, check the seals for cracks and dried-on food. Keep the condenser coils underneath the fridge clean.
9. Turn off the heat dry on your dishwasher. Allow dishes to air dry to save energy and money on your electricity bill.
10. Use ceiling fans, but only when you’re in the room. Fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a windchill effect. If the room is unoccupied, turn off the ceiling fan to save energy.
11. Keep your refrigerator and freezer stocked. A full fridge and freezer cuts electricity use by acting as insulation.
12. Use LED lighting. Residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.
13. Wash laundry in cold water. Today’s washing machines are designed to work efficiently with cold water. You can save up to $60 a year by selecting the cold water setting when you wash.
14. Upgrade outdated appliances with Energy Star appliances. Look for newer, more energy-efficient models. The energy savings and tax rebates available will be worth the initial cost.
15. Use wool or rubber dryer balls. This helps reduce drying time and cuts down on static. Bonus: Wool dryer balls also absorb extra moisture and are an alternative to dryer sheets.
16. Keep your computer in sleep mode. You may be done using it, but if not set on sleep mode, the computer still uses electricity.
17. Run your dishwasher only when it’s full. Use the energy-saving cycle to save electricity and hot water.
18. Plant trees and shrubs. The proper vegetation provides shade to a home’s east, south, and west sides, and can provide a windbreak on the north side.
19. Close the damper when the fireplace is not in use.
20. Limit your oven use. To save energy, use a slow cooker, air fryer, microwave, or toaster oven instead of the oven.
21. Insulate your electric water heater. This can reduce standby heat loss by 25% to 45% and save 7% to 16% in water heating costs.
22. If your toilet was manufactured before 1995, replace it. Newer ones come with many water-saving options and use a fraction of the water as older counterparts.
23. Fix leaky faucets. 1 drop a second can cost you up to $35 a year and wastes 1,661 gallons of water.
24. Empty the dryer lint trap. It removes a fire hazard and contributes to efficiency.
25. Change your HVAC filters frequently. As your filter traps more dirt, dust, and allergens, efficiency decreases. A good rule of thumb is to change filters every 90 days.
26. Install low-flow showerheads. Your family will use less water, saving precious water and money.
27. Clean lights, fixtures, and bulbs. Dust absorbs up to 50% of light.
28. Properly insulate your attic or crawl space. Insulation reduces heat losses and gains, saving you money and improving comfort.
29. Use lids when cooking. Food cooks faster, so you can turn off your stove sooner.
30. When in doubt, have an energy audit conducted on your home. This will help you decide what additional home maintenance tasks can help you save on future energy bills.

When it comes to saving energy, every little bit counts. Make small changes now, and you will be on your way to seeing a lower electric bill in 2023.