ELEVEN WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILL 

Written By HopeSource Staff

Residents of Kittitas County often face high energy bills due to cold, snowy winters and increasingly hot summers. While you can’t control the weather, you can adjust your energy habits to reduce costs. 

Here are 11 no cost or low-cost tips to help lower your energy bills: 

  1. Adjust your thermostat 

    With conventional electric or gas furnaces, you can save up to 10% annually by adjusting your thermostat 7–10°F while you’re asleep or away. 

    Set it lower in winter and higher in summer if using air conditioning. 

    For energy-efficient heat pumps, maintain a moderate, constant temperature for optimal savings. 

  2. Replace furnace filters 

    Change your furnace filter every 2–3 months or whenever it’s dirty. A clean filter helps your furnace run more efficiently. 

  3. Use zonal heating 

    Reduce whole-house heating by occasionally using space heaters or fans in the rooms you spend the most time in. 

  4. Seal your home 

    Install plastic window insulation kits or storm windows for drafty windows. 

    Add weather stripping and door sweeps to exterior doors to make your home more airtight. 

  5. Lower your water heater temperature 

    Set your water heater to 120°F. Hot water accounts for 21% of the average household’s energy usage. Every 10°F reduction can save 3%–5% on energy costs. 

  6. Wash laundry economically 

    Use cold water for washing clothes. 

    Ensure the dryer is vented properly, dry full loads, and hang clothes outside whenever possible. 

  7. Unplug appliances and gadgets 

    Devices and chargers left plugged in, even when not in use, draw small amounts of electricity (phantom power). 

    Consider using power strips to easily switch off multiple devices. 

  8. Take shorter showers 

    Keep showers under seven minutes to use less hot water compared to filling a bathtub. 

  9. Install water-saving fixtures 

    Add faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads to reduce water usage. This saves both energy and water. 

  10. Use natural sunlight  

    Open curtains and blinds during the day to let in heat from the sun. Close them at night to minimize heat loss. 

  11. Switch to LED lightbulbs 

    Replace old incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, which use up to 90% less energy and last significantly longer. 

By implementing these simple changes, you can make a significant dent in your energy bills while staying comfortable year-round. 

HopeSource Staff