Switching to solar energy is a huge win for your electricity bill and helps you to save money both in the short term and in the long run. However, you can further increase your savings by making a few changes to your energy consumption habits.

Reducing your energy consumption will decrease your power bill and is an important step in lowering your carbon footprint.

Properly insulate your home.

Heating and cooling account for a large chunk of the average electricity bill, so you can enjoy major savings by improving your usage. To do this, make sure that your home is properly insulated and that all windows and small cracks are sealed and patched- this will keep warm or cold outside air from getting in, which may be sabotaging your heating and cooling efforts and causing you to use more energy than necessary. 

Switch to LED lightbulbs

LED lightbulbs are up to 75% more energy efficient than traditional lightbulbs, so making the switch throughout your home will really add up! It’s a simple switch that can have major gains for your electricity bill and for the environment.

Use less hot water.

Hot water is another major energy drainer, so finding ways to reduce your consumption is a big one. One of the easiest ways to do this is to wash your clothes in cold water (using a cold-water detergent). When running your dishwasher and washing machine, make sure you have a full load whenever possible, rather than running lots of smaller loads.

Upgrade Your Appliances

Yes, this one involves a substantial upfront cost, but it can really help you to save in the long run. Upgrading to Energy Star appliances will significantly cut down on both power consumption and (in the case of your dishwasher and washing machine) water consumption. The Energy Star website lets you see how much you can save by switching to a new fridge.

Unplug small appliances

Little things really do add up, and if you have a lot of little appliances plugged in and running, you can be making a substantial, yet unnecessary, increase to your power bill. Ensuring that you and your family unplug your small appliances when you’re done using them (ex. unplugging your charger once your phone is charged rather than leaving it plugged in) can go a long way.

By making small simple steps and upgrades, you can get even more savings out of your solar energy system! 

For more on the financial benefits of switching to solar, check out our blog post here! And remember, reducing energy consumption isn’t just about saving money, it’s also a huge win for the environment- you can learn more about the environmental benefits of solar energy here.

Are you ready to get started with your solar energy system? Get your FREE customized report today.