11 Cost-Saving Tips That Will Help Lower Your Energy Bill

Every little bit helps.

1.

Inspect all of the seals surrounding your windows. If you find any drafty areas, use a silicone-based caulk to close up any openings. This quick fix will help save you money on your energy bill by keeping warm air in during winter and cool air in during summer.

2.

Optimize your warm-water usage. By simply installing a flow restrictor to your showerhead, you can take $$ off your water and electricity bills.

3.

Even though they may not be turned on, appliances use energy when they're plugged in. As you head out the door, be sure to remember to turn off your power strips.

4.

A large contributor to heat loss during winter is your windows. Even with thoroughly caulked windows, heat still travels through the window itself. To reduce this heat loss, look to install window treatments with an insulation layer built into them.

5.

Improve your energy efficiency by wrapping your water heater with an insulation blanket. This easy installation will reduce standby heat loss and pay for itself shortly thereafter.

6.

LED (light emitting diode) lightbulbs not only last longer, but they also use less energy. Reduce your power bill by changing the type of lightbulb you screw in.

7.

Insulation is graded by R-value. This measurement indicates the insulation's resistance for heat to travel through it. Insulating your attic can help save on your energy bill each month.

8.

Dimmed lights not only set the mood, they also save you some money. Set up lights that you can schedule and control from your smartphone — then you’ll never leave them on.

9.

You wouldn't keep a door or window open, so why would you leave the chimney damper open? Don't let a tiny oversight affect your wallet.

10.

Don't waste energy on heating your water heater more than it needs. Cool enough not to scald you but warm enough to kill bacteria, this is the ideal energy-saving setting.

11.

Have a thermostat that adapts to you. Don't heat or cool your home while you're away. Have the ability to change the temperature from your phone and save money at the same time.

Illustrations by Victoria Reyes/BuzzFeed

Start saving money on your energy bill today with a Honeywell Lyric™ T5 Wi-Fi Thermostat!

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