There are many different ways for Washington State residents to save money on their household bills. You don’t have to make big changes or drastic cuts to see a difference in your bank statement as there are several easy ways you can save money right now that won’t impact your quality of life one bit!
Let’s take a look at some of the most effective methods for saving money on your household bills.
1. Invest in Solar Energy
Solar power is one of the most renewable and efficient sources of energy available, and it can help you drastically reduce your electricity costs. There are several different solar power systems available on the market, so be sure to do your research when deciding which solar contractor in Washington state is the most reputable, offers the best price, and can provide you with the most efficient solar panel system. These requirements are important, as a solar panel system is a significant investment.
Once you’ve decided on the best contractor and solar panel system for your home, you’ll start to see a reduction in your electricity costs, as well as an increase in the value of your home. Sometimes, solar panels can even make you money by selling the excess electricity they generate back to the grid!
2. Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation
One of the main culprits of high energy bills is poor insulation. If your home is not properly insulated, heat can escape through cracks and gaps in the walls, ceilings, and floors, causing your heating and cooling system to work overtime. This not only drives up your energy costs but can also cause wear and tear on your HVAC system, leading to costly repairs or replacements down the road.
Many utility companies offer free or discounted home energy audits, so be sure to take advantage of this service. Once you know where your home needs more insulation, you can either do the work yourself or hire a professional.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat
If you have a central heating and cooling system in your home, chances are it’s not very energy-efficient. By installing a programmable thermostat, you can help to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and save money on your energy bill.
A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature for different times of the day and night, so you’re not heating or cooling your home when no one is there. For example, you can set the temperature to be lower at night when everyone is asleep, and higher during the day when people are home.
You can also set the temperature to be lower when you’re away on vacation, so you’re not wasting energy heating or cooling an empty home.
4. Lower the Temperature of Your Water Heater
If your water heater is set to a higher temperature than necessary, you’re likely wasting energy and money. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can lower the temperature of your water heater by adjusting the thermostat on the unit itself. If you’re not sure where the thermostat is located, consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website.
5. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
Washing your clothes in cold water can save you money on your energy bill and is better for the environment. About 90% of the energy used to wash clothes is for heating the water.
So, next time you do a load of laundry, switch your washing machine to the cold water setting. Many new generation detergents work just as well in cold water as they do in hot, so you don’t have to worry about your clothes not getting clean.
6. Unplug Electronics When They’re Not In Use
Many electronics, such as TVs, computers, and chargers, use power even when they’re turned off. This is known as “standby” power, and it can add up to a significant amount of money over time.
To save money on your energy bill, unplug electronics when they’re not in use. If you have multiple devices plugged into one power strip, you can simply turn off the power strip when you’re not using the electronics.
Additionally, if your appliances are more than a few years old, chances are they aren’t very energy efficient. Newer models of washers, dryers, refrigerators and other common household appliances use much less energy than older models, so it’s worth considering an upgrade if your appliances are outdated.
7. Replace Your Light Bulbs with LEDs
If your home is still using incandescent light bulbs, now is the time to make the switch to LEDs. LED bulbs use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer.
So, not only will you save money on your energy bill by switching to LEDs, but you’ll also save money on replacement bulbs. LEDs are initially more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but they quickly pay for themselves in energy savings. You can also consider switching to CFLs, which are another type of energy-efficient light bulb that uses less energy than incandescent bulbs.
There are many easy ways for Washington State residents to save money on their household bills. By taking some simple steps, you can see a significant difference in your energy usage and your bank balance. Make sure to try some of these money-saving ways and see which one works best for you and your family.