There are many ways to reduce the amount of electricity that you consume in your home. Lower usage means a lower electricity bill. Below are some quick tips on the major power users in your home, plus links to informative resources.

HVAC

Your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning System (HVAC) is the number one power user in your home, accounting for 50% or more of your electricity usage. To keep your HVAC system running efficiently, inspect or replace your air filter regularly and have your system serviced twice a year (Spring and Fall) by a licensed professional.

Reduce your energy consumption by keeping your thermostat between 78°F and 80°F in the summer, and raise your thermostat when you leave the house for more than a couple hours. During the cold season, 68°F to 70°F is recommended. You can use a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home, and ceiling fans to keep cool.

Water Heater

Electric water heaters are the number two power user in most homes, accounting for 15-20% of your electricity bill. The average household uses around 3,500 kWh annually to heat water. You can save money by setting your water heater to the recommended temperature of 120°F and by reducing use. Reduce hot water usage by washing clothes in cold water, installing low flow showerheads, and checking for plumbing leaks. Insulating your hot water pipes can reduce heat loss and raise your water temperature. And, if you are replacing your water heater, consider a tankless water heater, which eliminates the heat loss associated with conventional storage water heaters.

Programmable/Wi-Fi Thermostats

Installing a programmable thermostat lets you manage your home HVAC for optimum comfort. Want to make sure that the temperature is adjusted up when you leave every morning? And that it's adjusted down when you are on your way home? A programmable thermostat manages this for you. If you purchase a wi-fi thermostat, you can manage your temperature from your smart phone or tablet, ensuring the perfect temperature when you get home.

Ceiling Fans Ceiling fans are a great way to stay cool even with your thermostat set to a higher temperature. You know how good it feels to catch a cool breeze on a hot summer day? Ceiling fans work by creating a breeze in your room that speeds the evaporation process of perspiration, cooling your skin. Fans don't cool the room, they cool the people in the room – so when you leave the room, turn the ceiling fan off.

Light Bulbs Lowering your energy consumption can be as easy as changing a lightbulb. Lighting accounts for 10-14% of the average household energy bill. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with LEDs in frequently used fixtures around your home. LEDs use less energy, plus they generate less heat than traditional bulbs.