{"id":23407,"date":"2025-12-15T16:06:48","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T16:06:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/ways-to-conserve-energy-home\/"},"modified":"2025-12-16T21:30:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T21:30:24","slug":"ways-to-conserve-energy-home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/ways-to-conserve-energy-home\/","title":{"rendered":"The 29 Easiest Ways to Conserve Energy at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n.chariot-article {\n  max-width: 800px;\n  margin: 0 auto;\n  padding: 40px;\n  font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, \"Segoe UI\", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, sans-serif;\n  font-size: 18px;\n  line-height: 1.8;\n  color: #333;\n}\n.chariot-article h1 {\n  font-size: 2.5em;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  line-height: 1.2;\n  margin: 0 0 30px 0;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n}\n.chariot-article h2 {\n  font-size: 1.8em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  line-height: 1.3;\n  margin: 50px 0 20px 0;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n  border-bottom: 2px solid #f7931e;\n  padding-bottom: 10px;\n}\n.chariot-article h3 {\n  font-size: 1.4em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  line-height: 1.4;\n  margin: 40px 0 15px 0;\n  color: #333;\n}\n.chariot-article h4 {\n  font-size: 1.2em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  margin: 30px 0 10px 0;\n  color: #444;\n}\n.chariot-article p {\n  margin: 0 0 20px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article img {\n  max-width: 100%;\n  height: auto;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n  display: block;\n}\n.chariot-article figure {\n  margin: 30px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article figcaption {\n  font-size: 0.9em;\n  color: #666;\n  text-align: center;\n  margin-top: 10px;\n  font-style: italic;\n}\n.chariot-article ul, .chariot-article ol {\n  margin: 20px 0 20px 30px;\n  padding: 0;\n}\n.chariot-article li {\n  margin-bottom: 12px;\n  line-height: 1.6;\n}\n.chariot-article a {\n  color: #f7931e;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid transparent;\n  transition: border-color 0.2s;\n}\n.chariot-article a:hover {\n  border-bottom-color: #f7931e;\n}\n.chariot-article blockquote {\n  border-left: 4px solid #f7931e;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n  padding: 20px 30px;\n  background: #f9f9f9;\n  font-style: italic;\n  color: #555;\n}\n.chariot-article strong {\n  font-weight: 600;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n}\n.chariot-article em {\n  font-style: italic;\n}\n.chariot-article hr {\n  border: none;\n  border-top: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\n  margin: 40px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article table {\n  width: 100%;\n  border-collapse: collapse;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article th, .chariot-article td {\n  padding: 12px 15px;\n  text-align: left;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\n}\n.chariot-article th {\n  background: #f5f5f5;\n  font-weight: 600;\n}\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .chariot-article {\n    padding: 20px;\n    font-size: 16px;\n  }\n  .chariot-article h1 { font-size: 2em; }\n  .chariot-article h2 { font-size: 1.5em; }\n  .chariot-article h3 { font-size: 1.25em; }\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"chariot-article\">\n<p>At Chariot Energy, we get a lot of questions from curious energy<br \/>\ncustomers, but hands-down, the most frequently asked question is:\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>How can I conserve more energy at home?\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p>There are just two ways you can accomplish this crucial<br \/>\ntask:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take a good look at the current price you\u2019re paying for your energy usage compared to the prices for current energy plans in the market. You could be getting ripped off! Switching to a low fixed rate is the easiest way to lower your energy bill.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>The second-best way is to use less energy. You want a lower electricity bill, but oftentimes you don\u2019t know how much energy you could save just by washing your clothes in cold water, unplugging your phone when charged or even buying a new showerhead. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Lucky for you, we compiled 29 tips and tricks to help you conserve<br \/>\nenergy in your home, ranging from effortless to intense.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:60px\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Laundry<\/h2>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" alt=\"Woman loading a washing machine\" class=\"wp-image-1552\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/loading-laundry-machine.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption>Unless your clothes are heavily soiled, you don\u2019t need hot water to get the job done. Not to mention that switching to cold water will save your wallet, too!<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1. Wash your clothes in cold water<\/h3>\n<p>This tip is so easy, you don\u2019t even have to think about it, which<br \/>\nis why we put it first! You can implement this tip <em>right now<\/em>. You could<br \/>\nsave as much as $40 annually just by switching to cold water, according to the<br \/>\nEPA.<sup>1<\/sup> It may not seem like a LOT, but<br \/>\nyou\u2019ll soon see these small tips start to add up.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2. Air dry your clothes<\/h3>\n<p>Some of your clothes have to be air-dried anyway, so why not air<br \/>\ndry all of them? This isn\u2019t as ideal for apartment dwellers, but if you have a<br \/>\nbackyard, it\u2019s easy to hang a clothesline and let your clothes dry under the \u2014<br \/>\nwait for it \u2014 sun! We realize this still isn\u2019t feasible for everyone, so our<br \/>\nextra tip for dryer users is to use the \u201ccool-down\u201d cycle and let the remaining<br \/>\nheat finish drying your clothes.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:50px\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kitchen<\/h2>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img alt=\"Woman loading a dishwasher\" class=\"wp-image-1551\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/loading-dishwasher.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption>Running a full dishwasher isn\u2019t the only thing that\u2019s going to save you money in the kitchen.<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3. Only run a full dishwasher<\/h3>\n<p>Seriously, who wants to wash dishes? Dishwashers are great, but<br \/>\nthey use a lot of energy! This is why it\u2019s important to fully load your<br \/>\ndishwasher before running the cycle. Otherwise, you\u2019re wasting water and<br \/>\nenergy.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#4. Air dry your dishes<\/h3>\n<p>Speaking of wasting energy, the heat setting on your dishwasher is<br \/>\nsuper convenient but definitely unnecessary. Once the rinse cycle is done,<br \/>\nhand-dry your dishes or just open the machine and let them air out on their<br \/>\nown. The water is already hot, so it will evaporate quickly.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#5. Avoid your oven and use your microwave<\/h3>\n<p>Ovens are great for cooking food, but they use a lot of energy and<br \/>\nmake your home warmer. In turn, your air conditioner works even harder to cool<br \/>\nyour home, which leads to big spikes in your bill. To solve this, 1) cook with<br \/>\nyour microwave as much as possible, which is a more energy-efficient appliance,<br \/>\nand 2) skip preheating and just pop your dish in the oven.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#6. Clean your refrigerator coils<\/h3>\n<p>If your fridge is constantly humming and has trouble staying cool,<br \/>\nthe condenser coils likely need cleaning. Depending upon the make and model,<br \/>\nthey could be located under, behind or on the back of the fridge. Whether you<br \/>\nclean them yourself or call a professional technician, this will cut down on<br \/>\nthe energy consumption of your fridge.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#7. Cook outside as much as possible<\/h3>\n<p>We love a good cookout! You can skip the oven and use the<br \/>\nmicrowave with some dishes, but no one wants to cook chicken or beef in there. <em>Bleh!<\/em><br \/>\nAnd while grilling can help you avoid heating your house with the oven,<br \/>\ncharcoal and propane do release emissions. So, you should keep that in mind<br \/>\nwhen tracking your carbon footprint.<\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:50px\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seasonal<\/h2>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img alt=\"Ceiling fan\" class=\"wp-image-1498\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ceiling-fan.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption>While ceiling fans don\u2019t change the temperature of a room, they can help the room feel cooler or warmer than it actually is  \u2014  just by the direction it spins.<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#8. In winter, set the thermostat to 68 \u00b0F<\/h3>\n<p>We wrote a whole blog on this topic, but the gist is this: use 68<br \/>\n\u00b0F as a guide and then adjust to your family\u2019s comfort level. When you\u2019re<br \/>\nasleep or away from home for more than an hour, we recommend setting it even<br \/>\nlower. Per the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% of your heating and<br \/>\ncooling costs by turning your thermostat back 7\u00b0-10\u00b0F for 8 hours a day from<br \/>\nits typical setting. Remember: heating and cooling your home accounts for 50%<br \/>\nof your energy bill!<sup>3<\/sup><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#9. In summer, set the thermostat to 75 \u00b0F<\/h3>\n<p>Follow the same strategy <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/blog\/what-temperature-should-i-set-my-air-conditioner-in-summer\/\">during the summer<\/a> as with winter, but use 75 \u00b0F as a starting point. If you\u2019re uncomfortable, turn it down, but keep in mind, this will drive up your bill. But if you feel comfortable, try turning it up even more. When you\u2019re away from home for at least one hour, set the thermostat to 78 \u00b0F. The closer your home\u2019s temperature is to the outside, the more savings you\u2019ll see on your electric bill.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#10. Figure out which direction your ceiling fan spins<\/h3>\n<p>We realize this is such an overused tip, but it\u2019s <em>essential <\/em>in<br \/>\nreducing energy costs.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the summer, ceiling fans should spin <strong>clockwise<\/strong>. Because of the angle of the blades, the fan pushes cool air down into the room and across people\u2019s skin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In winter, ceiling fans should spin <strong>counterclockwise<\/strong>. This creates a vacuum effect, pulling warm air from the center of the room to the corners where there are cold air pockets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:50px\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bathroom<\/h2>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Low flow shower head\" class=\"wp-image-1554\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"960\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/shower-head.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption>Taking a shorter, cooler shower saves you money AND protects your skin  \u2014 dermatologist approved!<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#11. Take shorter, cooler showers<\/h3>\n<p>While this tip does save energy, it also protects your skin. The<br \/>\nlonger you stay in the shower, the more your skin dries out. Plus, hotter<br \/>\nshowers \u2014 those that use more hot water and thus more energy \u2014 strip our skin<br \/>\nof its natural oils leading to a higher risk of itchy dry skin. Keep your<br \/>\nshower short (between five and 15 minutes) and hot but not scalding.<sup>4<\/sup><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#12. Install aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads<\/h3>\n<p>You should turn off the water when brushing your teeth, but you<br \/>\ncan save water even when the water is on with low-flow faucets and showerheads.<br \/>\nWhen choosing a showerhead or a new faucet for your kitchen or bathroom, look<br \/>\nfor a WaterSense label. This can reduce your water flow by 30%, \u2014 which reduces<br \/>\nhow much water needs to be heated for showers and washing hands.<sup>5<\/sup>\u00a0<\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:50px\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Water<\/h2>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Temperature controls on a water heater tank\" class=\"wp-image-1555\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1280\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/water-heater.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption>This is the temperature control on your water heater. You can save big money with a turn of a knob.<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#13. Use less hot water<\/h3>\n<p>We talked about this above with the washing machine and the<br \/>\ndishwasher, but hot water accounts for approximately 20% of your utility bill.<br \/>\nIt\u2019s directly related to how much energy your water heater expends. Implement<br \/>\nthis in all forms of water usage: handwashing, rinsing vegetables, showering<br \/>\nand baths.<sup>6<\/sup><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#14. Set your water heater temperature to 120 \u00b0F<\/h3>\n<p>There\u2019s one more way to solve this hot water issue: lower the<br \/>\ntemperature on your water heater. Chances are your water heater still uses its<br \/>\nfactory settings, which is set at 140 \u00b0F. Thus, the EPA suggests you turn this<br \/>\nfactory setting down by 20 degrees.<sup>7<\/sup> Better<br \/>\nyet, you won\u2019t even notice it in the shower, but you will see it on your bill.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#15. Insulate your hot water tank if it\u2019s warm to the touch<\/h3>\n<p>Water heaters typically have an \u201cR-value.\u201d However, it is super<br \/>\nconfusing. The simplest way to tell your water heater needs insulating is just<br \/>\nto touch it. If it\u2019s warm, it needs insulation, because it shouldn\u2019t feel warm<br \/>\nto the touch. A water heater insulation blanket costs around $30 and could save<br \/>\nyou 7-16% in water heating costs. The insulation will quickly pay for itself<br \/>\nand then some!<sup>8<\/sup><\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:50px\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lighting<\/h2>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman replaces an incandescent light bulb for an energy-efficient LED bulb\" class=\"wp-image-1556\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1282\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/change-light-bulb-1.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption>Goodbye incandescent bulbs. Say hello to the much more energy-efficient LED light bulbs! <\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#16. Implement passive solar tactics<\/h3>\n<p>Passive solar is a modern home design that maximizes the power of<br \/>\nthe sun. While we realize most people\u2019s homes aren\u2019t passive solar homes, you<br \/>\ncan still implement passive solar tactics in your home. Just by strategically<br \/>\nopening and closing your curtains and windows to heat and cool your home at key<br \/>\ntimes of the day, you create a passive solar home. You\u2019re using the heat of the<br \/>\nsun to regulate your home\u2019s climate without the use of electricity.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#17. Replace incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs<\/h3>\n<p>While LED lights used to be expensive, they are now super<br \/>\naffordable! Compared to incandescent lighting, LED bulbs use 75% less energy,<br \/>\nand last 25 times longer.<sup>9<\/sup><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#18. Always turn lights off in an empty room<\/h3>\n<p>We thought about not including this tip since it\u2019s painfully<br \/>\nobvious. We nevertheless included it because it\u2019s important and not everyone<br \/>\n\u201cwalks the walk\u201d and actually does it. Per the Department of Energy, the<br \/>\nrule-of-thumb is this:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Leave the room lights on if you\u2019ll be back in 15 minutes or less.<\/li>\n<li>Turn the lights off if you\u2019ll be gone for more than 15 minutes in any given room.<sup>10<\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:50px\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ventilation<\/h2>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1497\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1280\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/programmable-thermostat-1.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption>This ultimate \u201cset it and forget it\u201d tool will save you time and money  \u2014 for doing absolutely nothing!<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#19. Utilize natural ventilation<\/h3>\n<p>During the Texas summers, we are <em>not<\/em> opening our windows to<br \/>\n100 \u00b0F heat. But during the milder spring and fall months, you can cool your<br \/>\nhome by raising your windows. Also called the \u201cchimney effect,\u201d this form of<br \/>\nventilation relies on elementary physics: Hot air rises and cool air sinks. The<br \/>\nconvection of these two forces creates a breeze that circulates throughout the<br \/>\nhouse without using electricity.<sup>11<\/sup><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#20. Replace your air filters regularly<\/h3>\n<p>Not only does your air filter help keep your home\u2019s air free of dust, dander, and other allergens, but it can also keep your HVAC\u2019s energy consumption down by 5-15%. You should <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/how-often-change-air-filter\/\">change your air filter<\/a> every one to three months, or simply follow the instructions of the company that built your HVAC. If you combine that with a fan, you can raise the thermostat 4 degrees and won\u2019t even know it.<sup>12<\/sup><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#21. Install a programmable thermostat<\/h3>\n<p>The ultimate set-it-and-forget-it tool, a programmable thermostat<br \/>\nallows you to adjust your home\u2019s temperature based on your family\u2019s schedule.<br \/>\nIt\u2019s perfect for people who are always in a hurry and just don\u2019t have time to<br \/>\nconstantly fiddle with the temperature every time they come and go.<\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:50px\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electronics<\/h2>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Power strip with a bunch of cords plugged into it\" class=\"wp-image-1500\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1275\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/power-strip.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption>Watch out: Many of our appliances use electricity even when they\u2019re turned off.<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#22. Unplug your devices when not in use<\/h3>\n<p>Appliances that use energy when they\u2019re not in use are called <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/vampire-electricity\/\">vampire appliances<\/a>, and many Halloween and horror movie-related puns have been made about them (i.e., energy suckers, slay vampire appliances, taking a big bite out of your wallet, etc.). Bad jokes aside, these appliances account for 10% of your energy bill.<sup>13<\/sup>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The easiest fix is a power strip that collects as many plugs as<br \/>\npossible into a single location. When you\u2019re not using the devices, you can<br \/>\nsimply switch off the power strip. Vampire appliances include computers, TVs,<br \/>\ngame consoles, phones and e-readers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#23. Turn off computers and other equipment when they aren\u2019t in use<\/h3>\n<p>Another way you can slay these cold-blooded devices is just to<br \/>\nturn them off. Revolutionary, right?\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#24. Set your television to the \u201chome\u201d or \u201cstandard\u201d setting to reduce the brightness<\/h3>\n<p>This one-time step reduces your TV\u2019s energy use by 18%-30%.<sup>14<\/sup><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#25. Stream content with ENERGY STAR-approved devices<\/h3>\n<p>Today, washers and dryers aren\u2019t the only appliances bearing<br \/>\nENERGY STAR logos. Now, you can stream Netflix in peace knowing that your<br \/>\nenergy-efficient TV uses, on average, 25% less energy than conventional models<br \/>\nwhen on, asleep or idling.<sup>15<\/sup> That<br \/>\nsaid, you should still have this vampire appliance plugged into a power strip<br \/>\n(see tip #22).<\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:50px\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Insulation<\/h2>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Man caulks his windows to air seal and insulate his home\" class=\"wp-image-1502\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1280\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/caulking-windows.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption>If you have drafts or leaks in your home, you\u2019re wasting your money on excessive heating and cooling.<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#26. Replace your weatherstripping<\/h3>\n<p>Freeze! Put down the newspaper slowly, slowly, slowly. While<br \/>\nstuffing the periodical in between your window seals may be a cheap fix for<br \/>\nsealing drafts, weatherstripping \u2014 materials manufactured for sealing your<br \/>\nhome\u2019s openings \u2014 are inexpensive and one of the quickest ways to save<br \/>\nmoney.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Simple weatherstripping includes replacing the rubber sealants<br \/>\naround your door, the felt in your window sashes or foam tape around your attic<br \/>\nhatches. These simple steps can save you 10%\u201320% on your home heating and<br \/>\ncooling costs.<sup>15<\/sup><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#27. Caulk cracks, gaps and leaks<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s important to note that weatherstripping is used for sealing<br \/>\nareas that are used and moved often (i.e., opening and closing doors, windows<br \/>\nand the attic). Caulking, on the other hand, is used for sealing things that DO<br \/>\nNOT move, such as cracks, openings in and around windows, and seams and joints<br \/>\naround your home. This is just as important as weatherstripping.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#28. Seal your fireplace when not in use with a chimney balloon<\/h3>\n<p>Let\u2019s look at a fireplace for what it is: a giant hole in your<br \/>\nhome that lets smoke escape when you light a fire. It\u2019s a great way to heat<br \/>\nyour home without using electricity, but when not in use, it needs to be sealed<br \/>\njust like your windows and doors.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A chimney balloon is a heat-reactive plastic balloon that inflates<br \/>\nto seal the opening of your fireplace when the chimney isn\u2019t in use. Don\u2019t<br \/>\nworry: If you forget it\u2019s there and light a fire, the balloon will<br \/>\nautomatically deflate since it\u2019s heat reactive. <em>Phew!<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#29. Install an insulated box to seal leaky attics<\/h3>\n<p>Another hole to the outside, your attic leads toward a space in<br \/>\nyour home that typically isn\u2019t insulated. Thus, it\u2019s important you air seal the<br \/>\nopening to maximize your energy savings. This can be done with an attic box,<br \/>\nwhich you can build yourself or buy one premade. It\u2019s a removable insulation<br \/>\npiece that covers the hole in your attic to block any air in your attic\/outside<br \/>\nfrom entering your home.<sup>16<\/sup><\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:50px\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do I Know Which Tips I Need to Implement?<\/h2>\n<p>This can be solved with an energy audit. An energy audit is an inspection of your home, including how it uses energy and the methods in place (i.e., weatherstripping, LED bulbs, water heater insulation, basically everything on this list, etc.) that make your house more energy-efficient. There are two forms of energy audits:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do-it-yourself energy audit<\/li>\n<li>A professional home audit<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>A DIY energy audit is a great \u201chigh level\u201d inspection of your<br \/>\nhome. It\u2019s easy to spot big drafts, non-LED light bulbs, poorly insulated hot<br \/>\nwater heaters, and old weatherstripping in your home. However, a professional<br \/>\nenergy auditor will inspect with tools such as a Thermo imaging camera and door<br \/>\nblower that detects the smallest of air leaks that are invisible to the naked<br \/>\neye.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>After an energy audit, you\u2019ll have a much better idea of which<br \/>\nmethods (and maybe even more) you should\u00a0implement in your home if you<br \/>\nreally want to lower your electricity bill.<\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:100px\"><\/div>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n<p><strong>Sources<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/energyexplained\/renewable-sources\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/energyexplained\/renewable-sources\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/energyexplained\/wind\/history-of-wind-power.php\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/energyexplained\/wind\/history-of-wind-power.php<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/energyexplained\/hydropower\/hydropower-and-the-environment.php\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/energyexplained\/hydropower\/hydropower-and-the-environment.php<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/energyexplained\/geothermal\/geothermal-heat-pumps.php\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/energyexplained\/geothermal\/geothermal-heat-pumps.php<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>These 29 tried-and-true energy conservation tips will help lower your energy footprint and save on your home\u2019s electricity bill.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":23583,"parent":627,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-23407","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23407","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23407"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23407\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/627"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23583"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23407"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}