Tis the season for high energy bills: How to cut your costs this winter

Winter is finally here in Virginia—yet, while the temperatures are dropping, energy bills are rising. Keep your home warm this season without breaking the bank with our tips for saving on energy bills.

Let’s cut to the chase: Your home’s biggest energy user is its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC). 

According to Perch Energy, the HVAC system can account for up to 50% of your yearly energy bill—but chances are, you don’t want to give up your home’s comfortability just to save a few dollars here and there. 

Luckily, there are some ways to cut down on your energy bill by using other appliances thoughtfully, and by making small adjustments to your household. Here’s a breakdown of your home’s energy use statistics.

Home appliances that use the most energy

1. HVAC: 45-50%
2. Water heater: 12%
3. Lighting: 9-12%
4. Fridge: 8%
5. Washer and dryer: 5%
6. Oven: 3%
7. Dishwasher: 2%
8. Television: 2%

Knowing these statistics can help you make small changes in your daily routine, so that you can save throughout the year without sacrificing your comfort. Here are some small habit changes to try to drive those energy costs down.

Turn off the lights when you leave a room

Lighting accounts for anywhere from 9% to 12% of your yearly energy consumption. By cutting your illumination use in half, you could save up to 6% annually, which is a significant percentage in the long run.

Unplug devices that are not in use

You may not know this, but electronics that are left plugged in could be using electricity without being on. By unplugging these devices when they aren’t in use, you save the energy they’re needlessly using. 

Wash your clothes in cold water, hang dry your clothes if you can 

Washers and dryers use more energy than you might think. Dryers in particular use a ton of electricity as they use heat to dry your loads of laundry. A good alternative is to hang dry your clothes outside (or inside if needed).

 Also, washing machines use lots of energy on loads using warm water. To heat the water, your water heater uses electricity, therefore, using more energy than a cold water load would. So, consider washing your clothes in cold water when possible (your jeans will thank you).

Take shorter showers

Remember that thing we said about water heaters using a ton of energy? Well, the same rule applies to your nice, warm showers. But before you reach for the cold water knob, try cutting down your shower time to conserve energy. 

More energy saving tips

For more long-term household energy conservation, there are some steps you can take to make your house more efficient. 

Use the sun to heat your house

Open up the curtains on south-facing windows. This will allow you to use the power of the sun to heat your home. 

Seal your windows

Keep out those pesky drafts to keep your home nice and warm.

Turn down the temperature

The ideal temperature setting for your home is 68 degrees. This temperature allows for optimal comfort without breaking the bank.

Take care of your HVAC system

Through regular maintenance, your HVAC system will run efficiently and use less energy.

Opt for LED lights

LED lightbulbs last longer and use less energy than your standard halogen lightbulb.

Take the leap and go solar

Virginia has tons of incentive programs to help you make the switch to solar power. To learn more, visit the Virginia Department of Energy website.