4 Common Energy-Related Mistakes Homeowners Make

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It’s no secret that energy prices are higher than many homeowners would like them to be, with the cost of electricity rising by 30% since 2010. 

And unfortunately, there’s no sign that they’ll be going down by any significant degree in the next few years, with extreme weather, costly infrastructure upgrades, and the rise of AI data centers all keeping energy prices high.

While there’s little that homeowners can do to influence those external factors, there are plenty of steps that homeowners can take to help make their energy bills more manageable. In many cases, simply making sure that you’re not making one of the all-too-common energy-related mistakes, like the ones that we’ll outline below, can make a noticeable difference to household expenditure.

Heating and Cooling Errors

Keeping the household at an agreeable temperature is one of the main contributors to energy bills, with HVAC-related costs accounting for some 40 – 50% of a household’s total energy consumption during certain periods of the year.

One of the main mistakes homeowners make is setting their thermostat too high or too low during the peak summer/winter months. That approach doesn’t cool/warm the property any faster, but does make the system work harder, leading to higher energy usage. 

Overlooking Insulation

Pumping cool/warm air into your home can be costly, and it’s even more expensive if that air is able to easily pass through your walls. That means you’ll be running your cooling/heating system for longer, with no noticeable difference to the home’s temperature levels. Investing in or upgrading your home’s insulation helps to keep the air on the right side of your home’s walls. While there’s a cost to this, the cavity wall insulation cost is offset by significant energy savings. Most insulation types pay for themselves within a few years, and you’ll also benefit from a home that’s more comfortable and better for the planet. 

Using Appliances Incorrectly

Some homeowners use their appliances on an as-needed basis, sometimes running their dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer even when they’re only half full. This can lead to an unnecessary increase in energy consumption. Waiting until the appliance can be fully loaded is much better for your wallet and the planet.

It’s also recommended to periodically invest in appliance maintenance, as well as upgrade your appliances every few years. Poorly-maintained appliances use more energy to do the same — or inferior — job, while older machines typically don’t have the energy-saving technology provided by more recent models. 

Phantom Energy Drain

It’s understandable that homeowners keep their electronics and appliances plugged in even when not in use, but they can lead to significant power wastage when pooled all together. In some cases, phantom energy drain — which occurs when items are in standby mode — can add $200 a year to a home’s energy bills. Unplugging electronic items when not in use requires only a little bit of extra effort but can make a difference to your bottom line, and also prevents unnecessary use of the earth’s resources. 

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.