Who doesn’t love saving a few bucks? With the average monthly utility bills increasing to nearly $600, cutting back your household’s energy consumption is smart. Kansas City residents may be surprised to learn they can reduce their home’s energy use without new fancy appliances or expensive HVAC upgrades.
Learn about five free ways to lower your home’s energy bills and what to consider when replacing or upgrading to new HVAC systems.
Five Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill (for Free!)
Improving energy efficiency at home can be as simple as embracing technology and developing mindful habits. Minor adjustments can significantly reduce the average household's energy consumption. Consider these cost-free ways to enhance energy efficiency at home.
1. Adjust your thermostat.
Home heating and cooling systems account for over 40% of the average utility bill. You can reduce your household’s energy consumption by making small changes to your HVAC system. For instance, adjusting your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees at night can save you 10% or more on your annual heating and cooling costs!
2. Unplug unused electronics.
Even when turned off, plugged-in electronics continue to draw a small amount of electricity. This phenomenon is often called "phantom load" or "vampire power." Unused electronics can accumulate, and the average U.S. household spends about $165 each year powering devices that aren’t in use.
3. Turn down your water heater temperature.
Many water heaters are set to a default temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit; most homeowners do not consider adjusting this setting. Reducing your water heater's temperature to 120 degrees can help decrease the risk of scalding and save you between 4% and 22% on your energy bills—potentially up to $400 a year!
4. Use natural light and airflow.
You can make your home more energy efficient by using curtains to strategically block or let passive solar light and energy indoors. Similarly, windows can promote ventilation and regulate the indoor air temperature without turning on your HVAC system.
5. Turn off the lights.
It’s that easy. Turn off the lights when you leave a room and try to make the most of natural light. Encourage every household member to do the same–you can even make it a game for your children!
More Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
When it's time to replace your HVAC equipment or appliances, always choose ENERGY STAR-approved products. ENERGY STAR certifies a variety of furnaces, air conditioning units, heat pumps, appliances, and more based on strict energy efficiency standards.
One of the most effective ways to reduce energy bills is to upgrade from outdated, inefficient technology to modern equipment. For example, heat pumps can be up to three times more efficient than traditional gas furnaces. Similarly, Smart Thermostats can help reduce heating and cooling costs by learning about your family’s rhythms and behaviors.
While you may not need to replace your furnace or AC unit immediately, your C.M. Mose & Son technician is standing by and ready for the time. We’ll help you determine when to make a proactive replacement and advise you on what unit will be right for your home.
Read more: Three Ways to Address Poor Indoor Air Quality
How Much Energy Does the Average Home Use?
On average, a household in the U.S. uses about 10,800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year, which is around 899 kWh a month. However, energy use can vary greatly. Household energy consumption is influenced by various factors, including the home's age, the types of appliances used, the number of occupants, and the local climate.
It's important to note that natural gas is generally less expensive than electricity. Therefore, reducing electrical consumption from sources such as air conditioning and lighting often provides the most immediate financial benefit.
Contact Us for Energy Efficiency Services in Kansas City
Protect your home against high energy costs with prompt, affordable, and energy-efficient solutions from the C.M. Mose & Son team. We work hard to ensure that replacing your home’s HVAC systems will keep you comfortable without breaking the bank.
Call 816-339-5190 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Pleasant Valley and the surrounding areas.