When it comes to saving energy at home, small missteps can add up to significant costs. Even with the best intentions, many homeowners unknowingly waste energy, which leads to higher utility bills. Here are the top 10 energy-saving mistakes you’re probably making and how to correct them for real savings.
1. Not Sealing Drafts Around Doors and Windows
The Mistake: Ignoring air leaks around windows and doors allows heat to escape, forcing your heating system to work harder.
The Fix: Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps and prevent drafts. This simple upgrade can reduce heating costs by up to 20%.
2. Setting the Thermostat Too High or Too Low
The Mistake: Overheating or overcooling your home wastes energy and increases utility costs.
The Fix: Keep your thermostat at an efficient setting—around 20°C (68°F) in winter and 25°C (77°F) in summer. Consider installing a smart thermostat for automatic adjustments. Learn more about smart thermostats in our recent blog.
3. Forgetting to Change Furnace Filters
The Mistake: Dirty filters reduce airflow, making your furnace or air conditioner work harder.
The Fix: Replace or clean filters every 1 to 3 months to maintain efficiency and extend the life of your HVAC system.
4. Ignoring Phantom Power Consumption
The Mistake: Devices like TVs, game consoles, and chargers consume power even when turned off.
The Fix: Use power strips or unplug devices when not in use to reduce phantom energy drain.
5. Running Appliances at Peak Hours
The Mistake: Using high-energy appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during peak hours increases costs on variable-rate plans.
The Fix: Shift appliance use to off-peak hours if possible. Check our electricity services for more information on rate plans.
6. Using Inefficient Lighting
The Mistake: Still using incandescent bulbs means higher energy consumption and frequent replacements.
The Fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy and last significantly longer.
7. Heating or Cooling Empty Rooms
The Mistake: Leaving vents open in unused rooms wastes energy and reduces overall system efficiency.
The Fix: Close vents in rooms you’re not using, or consider zoning systems for targeted heating and cooling.
8. Overloading or Underloading Your Appliances
The Mistake: Running partially full loads in dishwashers or washing machines wastes water and energy, while overloading reduces efficiency.
The Fix: Always run full but not overloaded loads to maximize efficiency.
9. Not Insulating Water Heaters or Pipes
The Mistake: Heat loss from uninsulated water heaters and pipes leads to higher energy consumption.
The Fix: Insulate your water heater and pipes to minimize heat loss and improve efficiency.
10. Ignoring Your Home’s Energy Usage Patterns
The Mistake: Failing to monitor and analyze your energy consumption means you miss opportunities to save.
The Fix: Use energy monitoring tools to track usage patterns and identify areas for improvement. Consider switching to a fixed-rate plan to avoid unexpected spikes—check our live rates for more details.
By correcting these common mistakes, you can significantly reduce your energy usage and lower your monthly utility bills. Small changes—like sealing drafts, upgrading to smart thermostats, and switching to LED lighting—can make a big difference.
At Peace Power, we help Albertans take control of their energy costs with affordable electricity and natural gas plans. Ready to make smarter energy choices? Get a live quote today!