National Cut Your Energy Costs Day: Simple Ways to Save at Home All Year Long
Every January 10th, we celebrate National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, a reminder that small, simple changes can lead to significant savings on your monthly energy costs. Whether you’re trying to reduce energy usage, lower expenses, or make your home a little more comfortable, this day is the perfect time to take action.
The good news is you don’t need a major renovation to see a difference. A few smart habits, low-cost upgrades, and small adjustments can add up to energy savings year-round.
1. Give Your Home a Quick DIY Energy Checkup
A simple walk-through can reveal easy fixes:
Check for drafts around windows and doors. If you feel cool air sneaking in, add weatherstripping or caulk.
Peek at ductwork in exposed areas like attics or crawlspaces. Leaks waste more air than you think.
Inspect the lightbulbs to see if they are all LED. If not, switch them out to save up to 90% on lighting energy use.
2. Dial in Your Thermostat for Automatic Savings
A smart thermostat can reduce heating and cooling costs without sacrificing comfort.
Try these settings:
68°F (20°C) in winter when you’re home
7–10 degrees lower at night or when you’re away
78°F (25°C) in summer when you’re home
Even adjusting your thermostat 2–3 degrees can produce noticeable savings.
3. Use Your Appliances Wisely
Run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine.
Wash clothes in cold water. It works just as well and uses far less energy.
Air-dry clothes and dishes when possible.
Avoid “phantom energy” by unplugging chargers, gaming systems, and small appliances when not in use or use a smart power strip.
4. Make the Most of Natural Light & Heat
Let nature do the heavy lifting:
Open blinds during the day in winter to warm your space naturally.
Close curtains at night to keep the heat in.
5. Switch to Energy-Efficient Products
From lightbulbs to showerheads, upgrades don’t have to be expensive to pay off:
LED bulbs use less energy and last years longer.
Low-flow showerheads save both water and the energy required to heat it.
ENERGY STAR® appliances cut electricity usage by 10–50% (depending on the product category).
6. Seal & Insulate for Long-Term Comfort
Heating and cooling usually make up about half of a home’s energy costs. Proper insulation is one of the best long-term investments:
Add insulation to attics, crawlspaces, and walls.
Seal gaps around pipes, vents, and electrical outlets.
Check your HVAC filters and replace them every 1–3 months for optimal performance.
