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Colorado homeowners can lower electric bills year-round by combining everyday energy-saving habits with practical home improvements.
- A home energy audit can help identify drafts, insulation gaps, inefficient appliances and other sources of wasted energy.
- Smart thermostat settings, regular HVAC maintenance and sealed ductwork can help heating and cooling systems operate more efficiently.
- Using less hot water and running appliances efficiently can reduce household energy consumption without major renovations.
- Properly sealed windows and doors can help limit air loss, improve indoor comfort and support better energy performance.
ENERGY STARⓇ estimates that nearly half the energy used in American homes goes to heating and cooling. This is especially true in places with diverse climates like Colorado.
The Centennial State’s high-altitude sun exposure, rapid day-to-night temperature shifts and sudden bouts of severe weather can all add extra strain to HVAC systems and send costs ever higher. The good news is, there are actually many practical ways you can work to lower your electric bills. It all starts with taking a look around your home.
Home Energy Improvements: The Big Picture
Bringing your home’s energy costs under control starts by tackling the most obvious energy offenders first. There are a number of home improvements that you can make to reduce strain on your utilities while also making your home more comfortable around the clock. A quick rundown of some of your options are included in the table below.
| Tip | The Benefit |
| Get a smart or programmable thermostat | Helps balance HVAC use. ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats may help certain homes save ~$100/year.1 |
| Change your HVAC air filters every 60 to 90 days | Keeps impurities out of the system and helps it run more efficiently. |
| Seal and insulate attic and basement air ducts | Helps prevent energy loss and may improve efficiency up to 20%.1 |
| Lower your water heater to 120°F | Reduces heating needs and can create long-term savings. |
| Run the dishwasher instead of hand-washing | Uses less hot water per load, requiring less water heater cycling. Remember to run cycles only when the washer is full. |
| Replace older HVAC equipment | Newer models use much less energy, and upgrading to ENERGY STAR-certified items can save your home ~$140/year.1 |
1 Source: EnergyStar.gov
These recommendations are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to thinking about how to reduce your electricity bills. As you pursue more avenues for saving, you will likely be able to make an even bigger impact.
A Home Energy Audit: The Right Starting Point
As you start thinking about how to lower your home’s electrical costs, it helps to identify where energy waste is actually occurring. Rather than simply guessing, many Colorado homeowners take advantage of a household energy audit.
During a home energy check, a professional inspector will visit your home to help you identify areas of concern. They may spot issues like:
- Faulty window seals
- Leaky ductwork
- Insufficient insulation
- Energy-draining appliances
- Drafts around windows and doors
- Crawl space, basement, attic or roof damage
The great thing about an energy audit is that it can often help you pinpoint which issues are the most important to prioritize. It may also help you identify issues that you haven’t thought to check.
Many energy companies offer home energy audits, and some will even perform them for free. It merits checking with your current provider to see if you have this option. EnergySmart Colorado is a non-profit organization that helps residents connect with energy assessments, rebates and other resources, often at little or no cost.
How Daily Habits Can Help Improve Energy Bills
Your day-to-day routines have a big impact on your electrical use, and there are a number of ways to reduce consumption beyond just turning the lights out when you leave the room. For example:
- If you aren’t using an appliance, unplug it. Many household items will continue to draw power even if they’re turned off or in idle mode.
- Run your dishwasher instead of hand-washing, and wait until it’s full to run a cycle. Dishwashers often use hot water more efficiently than just running it through the sink, meaning your water heater won’t have to work as hard.
- Fill up your washing machine before you run a load. Air-dry clothes when possible, and use low-heat settings on your dryer where appropriate.
- Many modern appliances like Smart TVs have energy-saver modes or auto-shutoff features that help the item not waste electricity. Turn these settings on when you set up your device.
Get the Most Out of Heating and Cooling
Since you know the significant impact your HVAC system has on your home’s electrical bills, taking a closer look at these systems and how you use them may make a real impact on costs.
- Smart or programmable thermostats can help balance your energy consumption throughout the day, reducing strain on the system. For added efficiency, consider adjusting your settings back a few degrees while you’re away from home or sleeping. Trane recommends raising your interior temperatures 7 to 10 degrees higher when leaving home in summer.
- Make sure all ducts and openings around your home are appropriately sealed. Besides heating and AC ducts, these include drains, ventilation spaces around attics and even dryer ducts. If there are any holes or gaps in these outlets, air can escape.
- Change your air filters regularly. Filters help your HVAC systems function optimally, and most need to be replaced every 60 to 90 days.
- If appropriate, consider whether it’s time to upgrade to new heating and cooling systems. Older models may not contain many newer, more efficient design features that help them perform better at a lower cost.
Rethink Your Hot Water Use
Hot water heaters are also big energy users. Besides having to keep the water inside at a certain temperature, water heaters also have to reheat any added water continually. Both actions require power, but you have multiple options to help control consumption:
- Use cold water instead of hot when washing clothes. It’s a great way to avoid shrinkage and can even help preserve colors on certain garments.
- Dial your water heater temperature back to 120°F. This lower temperature eases pressure on the water heater and also protects you from scalding water.
- Consider taking shorter showers or filling the bath to a lower level. Showers overall also tend to use less water than full baths.
- If your sinks and faucets don’t already have them, think about adding low-flow aerators. By mixing air with your water flow, they help reduce actual water use while still maintaining appropriate pressure through the pipes.
Make Sure Windows and Doors Are Sealed Tight
All your home’s entryways can be big energy wasters if they aren’t in top shape or if you don’t use them appropriately. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- If you plan to open windows or doors to let fresh air in, also turn off the HVAC system. Close them and turn the system back on before interior conditions get uncomfortable. That way, it won’t have to work extra-hard to cool or re-heat your space.
- Keep your garage doors and any other exterior doors closed even when you’re at home. Leaving them open or cracked creates another place for good air to get away.
- Close and lock all entry points before leaving home, even if just for the day. It’s safer and lets less air escape while you’re gone.
- Ensure your windows and doors are properly sealed and insulated. Drafts, moisture intrusion, damaged caulking, dry rot or misalignments may cause comfortable air to escape your home.
If you’ve begun to notice that your windows and doors are starting to show their age, it’s a good idea to start thinking about replacing them. New windows and doors can make a world of difference in a home’s energy performance, and many include built-in features such as low-E glass or durable weatherstripping that keep outside air out and inside air in. It’s added efficiency that your HVAC system and your electric bills will thank you for.
Bask in Better Efficiency With Window World of Denver
At Window World of Denver, we understand how annoying high electric bills can be. It’s why we’re committed to making sure your home has what it needs to perform at its best. Work with one of our experts to explore how our energy-efficient windows and doors can help ease strain on your electrical systems, provide valuable cost savings and most importantly, create a comfortable space that you can enjoy year-round.
Schedule your free quote today, and let’s get a more efficient home in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I lower my home electric bill fast?
Some of the easiest ways to immediately dial back your home’s electrical use include adjusting your thermostats, switching to cold water when washing clothes, unplugging appliances you aren’t using and lowering your water heater temperature. For other practical tips, see our table above.
What uses the most electricity in a home?
Your heating and cooling systems are often your home’s biggest energy users, so doing all you can to reduce the burden on these utilities can help significantly reduce energy waste. Other offenders include water heaters that are set too high and appliances that run continuously.
How often should I change my air filter?
Most air filters should be changed at least every 60 to 90 days, and more often for people with pets or allergies. Changing your filters regularly helps ensure your HVAC system continues to work at its best and avoid inefficiencies.