11 Ways to Save with Energy Smarts

If you’ve ever worried about the cost of your energy bill, you’re not alone. Nearly 39 million American households — that’s one in three — struggle to pay for electricity each year.

As the weather grows more extreme and our daily lives depend ever more on electronics, it’s become harder and harder to find ways to save.

If possible, upgrading to energy efficient appliances or conducting a home energy audit are the best ways to reduce your electric bill in the long run. But what if you need to lower your bill now? Fortunately, there are a number of easily, inexpensive ways to immediately start reducing energy costs at home.

1. Set it to 68

In cold weather, the cost of heating a home increases by 3% for every degree over 68. To keep electricity costs down during cold months, set your thermostat to 68 degrees when at home and lower it by around 10 degrees when you’re away or sleeping.

2. Wash it Cold

Ninety percent of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward heating the water. Washing with cold water can save up to $200 a year on your electric bill.

3. Our Friend the Power Strip

Electronics consume a shocking amount of energy, even when they’re turned off or done charging. Cut down on phantom loads by plugging TVs, phones, laptops, chargers and even coffee makers into smart power strips and unplugging them when not in use.

4. Switch to LED

Turning off lights at home is an easy way to save electricity. But what about when the lights are on? Studies show that LED lightbulbs can save up to $100 a year on your utility bill – and they last longer than incandescent or halogen bulbs.

5. Keep the Fan On

Ceiling fans are a cheap way to stay cool in summer, and also keep you warm in the colder months. By reversing your fan to spin clockwise, the fan pushes warm air down, making you more comfortable and saving on electricity costs.

6. Window Coverings

A home loses about 30% of its heat through its windows. To solve this, install curtains or shades and keep them closed at night to help with insulation. During the day, turn down the thermostat and open the curtains to allow the sun to naturally warm the room.

7. Set the Water Heater for Savings

Most water heaters come preset at 140 degrees. The Department of Energy recommends lowering it to 120 degrees to save  up to 10 percent on your electric bill.

8. Know (and avoid) On-peak Hours

Many utility companies, including Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, offer lower electricity rates outside of “on-peak” hours (when demand on power is highest). You can save money by not running large appliances like the washing machine or dishwasher during on-peak hours: 6-10am and 5-8pm weekdays November through March, and 4-8pm weekdays April through October.

9. Keep Heaters and Vents Clean

Heating systems have to work harder when they’re dirty. If you have baseboard heaters, keep the surface and coils free of dust. With central heating, wipe out the vents and make sure they’re open.

10. Get Invaluable Know-how

Many local organizations offer weatherization and energy conservation programs to teach how to seal windows and doors to avoid cold-air leaks, DIY insulation, and furnace and water heater upkeep. Some organizations also provide in-home weatherization services for seniors and people with disabilities.

To enroll in a home weatherization program, visit the  Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) or the Community Energy Project, or find your local agency here.

11. Bill Payment Assistance

Finally, in the event life throws you a curve ball causing financial hardship, utility companies can provide bill assistance, payment extensions and/or payment plans. Energy assistance agencies may have additional funding.

Oregon Housing & Community Services provides funds to local community agencies that provide bill payment assistance programs. These programs assist low-income households to make their energy costs more affordable. They also help prevent the loss or the restoration of home energy service. These programs make payments to the utility company on the customer’s behalf.

To learn more about available assistance, call 2-1-1.

RESOURCES

Pacific Power: pacificpower.net

PGE: Portlandgeneral.com

State of Oregon: oregon.gov/ohcs/ energy-weatherization

 — Tips and info excerpts from The Oregon Energy Fund.