Air conditioning, lighting, and appliances are just a few of the things we’ve learned to count on for comfort and convenience. And while they’ve made life easier, their energy use can also be expensive. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average U.S. residential household spends around $2,200 each year on utility bills. Follow these smart tips to break poor habits that cause energy waste. 

#1: Adjusting Your Thermostat Manually

It’s easy to program your thermostat to heat and cool your home when you need it most. You can even get one to work remotely from your phone or computer.

#2: Forgetting to Unplug 

You’d be amazed how much energy waste there is when unused electronics and appliances stay plugged in 24/7. Instead, use power strips throughout your home to make it easy to turn them off when not in use. 

#3: Using the Same Air Filter Over and Over

Want to save on heating and cooling costs while making your home healthier? Change the air filter every three months. It’s as easy as that. 

#4: Leaving the Fridge Door Open

Did you know looking in the refrigerator takes up about 7% of its total energy use? Quickly grabbing what you need in the fridge and closing the door right away cuts back on energy waste.

#5: Not Filling Up the Dishwasher 

It takes a lot of electricity to run a dishwasher. Waiting until it's completely full to wash a load with air dry instead of heat dry could cut its energy use by 15% each year. 

#6: Running a Freezer When Nothing’s in It 

It costs around $14 a month to run a freezer chest. If it’s empty, think of how much energy waste is created. Unplug it until it’s needed. 

#7: Using Hot Water to Wash Clothes

Always wash clothes in cold water unless you’re dealing with grease or oil. You’ll save nearly 90% of its energy used to heat water. 

#8: Keeping a High Setting on the Water Heater Thermostat

Homeowners often set their water heater thermostats too high, causing energy waste. The Department of Energy recommends 120 degrees for energy efficiency. 

#9: Forgetting to Turn Off the Lights

Save energy and prolong the life of lightbulbs by turning off the lights when you leave a room. Keep forgetting? ShipShape lets you remotely monitor your lighting from your phone or computer to stay on track.

#10: Still Using Incandescent Bulbs

You can reduce energy in lightning speed when changing over to energy-efficient bulbs. ENERGY STAR certified bulbs last 25 times longer and save up to 80 percent in energy use.

Cut Down on Energy Wasting Habits in Your Home With ShipShape 

Shipshape is the intelligent way to protect your home, networking all of your home’s systems together to help you keep tabs on things like poorly operating HVAC systems, temperature issues, power spikes, leaks, and more. ShipShape notifies you with diagnostics and recommended actions, working to keep expensive repairs out of your future. 

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Request a call from a care specialist for a home that’s smarter, safer, and energy efficient.