FAQs - How can I lower my home energy costs?

How can I lower my home energy costs?

Energy costs are among the biggest monthly expenses that homeowners in Minnesota have to pay. If you're tired of spending an exorbitant amount on your energy bills or you've noticed your bills going up recently, here are a few things you can do to cut down your energy costs:

• Buy more energy efficient heating and cooling systems. Furnaces tend to run pretty much constantly to keep houses warm during cold Minnesota winters, while air conditioning units see equally heavy usage during the summer months. If your heating and cooling units are old and inefficient, this can result in you having to pay a small fortune in energy costs each year. Replacing your furnace and A/C unit with more energy efficient models will substantially reduce your long-term energy costs.
• Turn off your lights and appliances when not in use. Leaving light fixtures, TVs, computers, and other electronics on all day can contribute significantly to your energy costs.
• Connect energy-consuming electronics like desktop computers and game consoles to a power strip that can easily cut off power to the devices when they are not being used. Many electronics consume a significant amount of energy when they are shut off but still connected to an electrical outlet.
• Adjust your thermostat based on where you're spending your time. There's no need to warm or cool your lower floor at night if you're sleeping in an upstairs bedroom. You can also turn your heating or A/C to a more neutral temperature if you'll be out of the house all day.