January 10 is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, an observance that raises awareness of how homeowners can reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency.
Now is the perfect time to assess where you can cut energy costs. Here are just a few no- to low-cost actions you can take:
- Weatherstrip and caulk around all entrance doors and windows to limit air leaks that could account for 15 to 30 percent of heating and cooling energy requirements.
- Set the thermostat as low as comfort permits. Each degree above 68°F can add 3 percent to the amount of energy needed to heat your home.
- If you are buying a new cooktop, go electric. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, typical gas cooktops are just 15.6-percent efficient, while electric coil cooktops are 73.7-percent efficient, and electric smooth cooktops are 74.2-percent efficient.
- Turn off your monitor if you are not going to use your personal computer for more than 20 minutes. If you are not going to use your computer for more than 2 hours, turn off your monitor and CPU. It takes a lot more energy to keep your computer running than it takes to start it.
- Make sure to replace or clean the air filters for your heating and cooling system at least once a month (or as often as recommended by the manufacturer). Clogged filters lead to lower energy efficiency.
Be sure to visit FindEnergySavings.org, EEI's website that is dedicated to helping customers understand the potential Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and rebate programs available to them.
For more energy efficiency tips, read EEI’s "More Than 100 Ways to Improve Your Electric Bill” booklet.
