With the start of 2025, did you make your New Year’s resolution(s)? While health, wellness, organizing and finance-related goals may be top-of-mind, it’s also a perfect time to start a few new habits to become more energy efficient at home. The result could lead to less expensive power bills and a lower environmental impact — both of which are positive anyway you look at it.
Here are some simple electricity-related resolutions to consider that won’t take much of your energy to achieve (plus some advice on when to compare energy prices):
Know when to turn the lights off
Lighting costs make up around 15% of an average home’s electricity use, but turning them off when you leave a room is not always the answer. That’s because switching lights on or off can lower their operating life. The Department of Energy suggests the following guidelines for each type of lighting:
- Incandescent and halogen: Turn off whenever they’re not needed, since they’re inefficient.
- Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs): Leave on if you’ll be out of a room for 15 minutes or less; turn off if you’ll be out of a room for more than 15 minutes. The operating life of CFLs is affected by the number of times they are switched on and off.
- Light-emitting diodes (LEDs): Because the operating life of LEDs is unaffected by turning them on and off, it’s smart to turn them off whenever you leave a room.
Upgrade instead of replacing
Light bulb burned out? Dishwasher at the end of its life? If an older item wears out, don’t just replace it — see what energy efficient options are available.
For instance, a 60-watt incandescent bulb can be upgraded to an equivalent 43-watt halogen bulb, a 13-15 watt compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) or a 9- to 12 watt light-emitting diode (LED). An older dishwasher could be upgraded to an ENERGY STAR®-certified model.
While these may cost more upfront, they’re often less expensive overall when you account for energy savings and durability.
Make a 2-degree shift
The Department of Energy estimates a 10% savings on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7°F -10°F from its regular setting for 8 hours a day. If this isn’t possible, try going 2°F lower than your normal heat setting in winter and 2°F higher than your typical air conditioning setting in summer. Even this small shift can make a difference in your usage.
Get creative for nighttime comfort
Instead of relying on your heater or air conditioner overnight, try some other ways to stay comfortable.
In winter:
- Put a hot water bottle between your sheets to stay warm.
- Wear insulating fabrics like wool, fleece and down.
- Cuddle up with an electric blanket that automatically turns off after an hour.
In summer:
- Put your pillowcase or sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes before going to bed to instantly cool down.
- Wear breathable fabrics like cotton, linen and chambray.
- Sleep with a fan on.
Adjust your water heating temperature
The Consumer Protection Safety Commission recommends lowering your water heater to 120°F to avoid scalding. This also helps conserve energy, saving you money without sacrificing comfort.
Substitute cold water for hot
Water heaters account for around 18% of the average home’s energy use. Choosing cold water when possible will prevent your water heater from working overtime. Whether it’s taking a shorter shower or using the cold water setting on your washing machine, every little bit adds up.
Cook conscientiously
If your recipe allows, try using another appliance that might be more energy efficient such as a microwave, slow cooker, or pressure cooker.
Compare energy prices
While adding these little habits to your routine, it also makes financial sense to compare energy prices of different plans and providers whenever your current contract is coming up for renewal. You don’t want to miss out on something that suits you better, like a different term length, a better rate, a time-of-use plan or an option with extra perks.
Remember, it never hurts to shop for energy — and comparing energy prices is simple using Everything Energy’s advanced search tools and filters.