Cut Your Energy Costs Day: A Perfect Day to Celebrate

Happy National Cut Your Energy Day! If you want to save money this year, today is a great day to start. 

There’s a holiday, national day or observance for almost every day of the year but not all can save you money like National Cut Your Energy Day.

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day brings awareness to the importance of energy efficiency and conservation and it’s a perfect day to make changes to your home’s energy efficiency, your energy habits and to take steps to reducing your monthly energy bill.

While your boss may not give you the day off to observe National Cut Your Energy Day, saving money (and energy) is certainly a good reason to celebrate. Cut your energy costs and save money today, this year and beyond by implementing these tips provided by the Department of Energy.

1. Install a programmable thermostat. Save an estimated 10 percent per year on heating and cooling costs by using a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home or business. Then earn a one-time $85 bill credit per qualified WiFi thermostat when you enroll in our WiFi Thermostat Rewards program.

2. Use sunlight to your advantage. The sun’s rays can contribute heat in the winter but force air conditioners and fans to work harder — and use more energy – especially in the summer. During winter, open your curtains during the day to allow the sun to naturally heat your home. During warmer months, use light-colored window shades or blinds to reflect heat back outside, keeping your home cooler and more efficient. Using natural lighting effectively will also reduce the need to use artificial light.

Another way to take advantage of the sun is through the use of solar panels. Learn about Big Sun Community Solar and how with little to no upfront costs, you can reap the benefits of the sun and reduce your monthly energy bill. Learn more here.

3. Choose energy-saving lighting. About 10 percent of the energy your home uses goes to lighting costs. By just replacing five of your home’s most frequently used lights with energy-efficient ENERGY STAR bulbs, you could save $75 a year in energy costs. And the good news is LED pricing has dropped considerably over the years making it affordable to make the switch without blowing your budget.

Compared with traditional incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs can yield as much as 75 percent energy savings and last six-times longer. You can get even more energy savings, longer life span and less wasted heat by switching to ENERGY STAR LEDs.

4. Plug in to power strips. Many electronic devices and equipment continue to consume energy even when not in use. Often called energy vampires, these devices cost families about $100 a year. Use a power strip for electronic devices and turn it off when not in use to eliminate energy vampires.

5. Reduce energy for water heating. Water heating is a large energy expense in your home, accounting for about 14-18 percent of your utility bills. By taking low-cost steps, you can reduce your water heating bills. Make sure your water heater is set to no higher than 120 degrees. You can also install low-flow showerheads.

6. Hire a professional to maintain your heating and cooling system. Arrange for annual maintenance with a qualified technician. This includes checking the airflow over the coil, testing for the correct fluid (refrigerant) level, checking the combustion process and heat exchanger are operating safely, and ensuring proper air-flow to each room. In addition, you should replace air filters in your system regularly.

As with any change, give yourself time. Start small and soon, you’ll notice your home’s energy efficiency improving and your monthly energy costs decreasing which are great reasons to celebrate National Cut Your Energy Day every day.

Want more energy saving tips? Visit cpsenergy.com to take advantage of our information and resources.