1. Change Your Air Filter

Of course, we have to start this list with an HVAC tip! One of the easiest ways to save money on your utilities is to change your air filters on a regular basis. Your mileage may vary, but you generally want to change those filters every 60 to 90 days.

The air filters for your HVAC system keep dust and dirt from circulating through your home. A clogged air filter impacts the air quality in your home and can make your HVAC system work harder, using more electricity.

The same can be said about the air vents in your home. Make sure that they are open, clear from debris, and not blocked by furniture or other objects. Any obstruction to the vent can cause your HVAC system to run less efficiently and require more electricity.

2. Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs eat away at your electricity and your wallet every year! On average, an incandescent light bulb costs about $1.25 to purchase and adds about $10.95 per year in electricity.

While this may not seem like a huge expense, that is the cost for one bulb. Think about how many bulbs you have in your house. It can add up quickly! Plus, the average lifespan of an incandescent bulb is only one thousand hours of use.

Energy-efficient bulbs like LED or CFL bulbs may cost a bit more but can save you money in the long run. They average about $2.50 each, but have a lifespan of nearly nine thousand hours of use. They also cost about $2.00 per year in electricity. Now the thing adding up quickly is savings!

3. Switch To Smart Or Programmable Thermostat

Smart or programmable thermostats have surged in popularity, and they’ve saved consumers money on their utilities, too!

You can set programmable thermostats to turn on your home’s heating or air conditioning based on a schedule. Smart thermostats take it further by “learning” your preferences as you use your heating and air conditioning.

Many smart thermostats can even connect to the internet and take the local weather into consideration. Studies show that programmable or smart thermostats can save as much as 10% per year on the cost of heating and cooling.

4. Change The Way You Use Appliances

Appliances in your home can be one of the biggest contributors to your utility costs. Changing how you use them can potentially save money!

If you are rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, you are wasting water. While you certainly want to clear off any food larger than a grain of rice, there is no need to rinse dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Your dishwasher actually works better with unrinsed dishes.

You can save money with your washer, too. A large portion of the energy used by your washer is spent heating the water to wash your clothes. Sometimes it can be 90% of the energy used! Try setting your washer to use cold water instead.

When it comes to your dryer, clean the lint trap after every use. Just like the filters in your HVAC system, your dryer works less efficiently when the lint trap is clogged. This can also create a safety hazard. You can save even more money by using a drying rack to dry your clothes instead of a dryer.

Finally, be sure to replace any old appliances. If your appliances are not Energy Star certified, you may want to replace them with ones that are. They can save up to 25% on energy costs!

5. Take Care Of Air Leaks Around Windows And Doors

Heating and cooling are also significant factors when it comes to energy use in your home. Air leaks around your windows and doors can force your heating or air conditioning to work overtime, costing you more money.

Check all your windows and doors for air leaks. You may need to replace weather stripping or caulk that seals your windows and doors to ensure that cold or hot air is not coming into or escaping your home!