Electricity rates are dramatically rising this winter, and homeowners are feeling the pinch of higher bills. As the new year begins, many of us are making a resolution to save money. Cutting down on extras is a start, but how can we save on the monthly essentials like our utilities? Revise has a few tips to slim down those energy expenses while keeping you comfortable in the place that matters most—your home.
Regulate Your Temperature
Look at your thermostat. Are you or members of your family constantly turning it up and down? Is your heat running on high while you’re at work or sleeping? Two simple fixes to save on electric and heating bills are to turn down the thermostat at night and during away periods, and to use a programmable, or “smart” thermostat. With a smart thermostat, homeowners can schedule set times to heat and cool their home. Some smart thermostats keep track of your family’s energy usage/motion patterns and automatically adjust the settings. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, switching to a programmable thermostat can save you up to 10% on cooling and heating costs. By scheduling a Mass Save® Home Energy Assessment performed on your home through Revise, you may be eligible for no-cost smart thermostats and other energy-efficient upgrade rebates. Plus, Revise will install the smart thermostat(s) for no cost to you.
Cut Down on Energy Eaters
Devices that are plugged into the wall, but aren’t in use, can still use up energy in your house. “Vampire” devices like this can cost you up to $200 in electricity per year. From phone chargers to laptops and video game consoles—and even toasters—if you aren’t using them, you should unplug them from the wall. Using a “smart” power strip can even do the work for you; it detects when computers and other devices plugged into are not in use and automatically shuts the power to these devices. And, again, with a Mass Save No-Cost Home Energy Assessment, smart power strips are another added no-cost benefit. Revise will provide the power strip(s) when they arrive to conduct the assessment if you home is in need.
Increase Appliance Efficiency
Even if your appliances are older, there are still ways to make them less costly to operate. Start with the washing machine and wash clothes in cold water. According to Consumer Reports, about 90% of the electricity used to wash a load of laundry goes towards heating the water. Most detergents are designed to be used with cold water, so it’s an easy switch to make. Dryers are a huge electricity eater – to increase efficiency, empty the lint trap for every load and periodically clean the venting. For your dishwasher, switch to the no-heat dryer setting to save on electricity.
Budgeting and Savings Programs
Many utility companies offer a yearly budgeting program. This allows you to spread the average cost of your monthly bills over 12 months. In addition, there are many organizations that help those struggling to pay utility bills; check out the following if you are in need: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – fuel and weatherization assistance, Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program – discounted home heating oil for low-income households, Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development – winter heating assistance program; Community Action agencies – energy assistance programs; Good Neighbor Energy Fund – emergency energy assistance.
Revise Can Help You Save More
Following tips like these can help you save on your monthly utility bills. For even bigger energy savings, contact Revise to conduct a quick and easy Mass Save No-Cost Home Energy Assessment. Our pros will come to your house, give you suggestions to increase energy efficiency, assist with rebates, and help make some minor changes with big impact—right on the spot. Get on our schedule by filling out our form or calling 800-885-7283.
