(BPT) - It's hard to ignore the creeping price of the monthly utility bill and the sting of gas prices at the pump. These rising costs have made it more difficult for Americans to budget effectively for monthly expenses. How can households afford power sources that feel increasingly unreliable?
Luckily, homeowners and renters can take back control of their energy use, even amid unpredictable energy costs and volatile gas prices. Here are a few ways you can achieve energy independence and stabilize your home energy costs.
Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
Refrigerators, washers, dryers and dishwashers are the workhorse appliances of any home. They're also heavy energy consumers. However, you can still enjoy these modern conveniences and lighten your energy load by upgrading to certified ENERGY STAR appliances.
When you switch to an ENERGY STAR appliance, you can save 10%-50% on energy costs compared to conventional models. That's because these modern, efficient appliances use significantly less power to do the exact same job as older models. By switching, you can keep your home running smoothly while naturally lowering your energy usage month to month.
Pro tip: Big changes start small. Consider switching your current light bulbs to energy-efficient LED light bulbs.
Install a smart thermostat
Heating and cooling account for the bulk of your monthly energy bill. So, how can you keep your home comfortable and your wallet happy? You don't need to suffer in the sweltering summer or freezing winter. All you need to do is install a smart thermostat.
A smart thermostat learns your daily routine and adjusts the temperature when you're sleeping or away from home. In short, it allows you to program your comfort. This instant automated control of your environment is a seamless way to lower heating and cooling costs and enjoy your time at home without the hassle and guesswork of manual adjustments.
Use heavy energy-consuming appliances during off-peak hours
Did you know that electricity costs change depending on the time of day? Check with your utility company. You may be surprised to find that you're paying premium rates during peak hours, usually in the late afternoon and evening.
Do a little digging and find out your area's time-of-use rates. Once you know the peak-use window, you can outsmart the grid by using your heavy, energy-intensive appliances during off-peak hours. Try running your dishwasher or doing laundry in the morning or late at night and see how much you save.
Embrace a clean energy home backup
Achieving true energy independence means having the ability to power appliances no matter what the grid is doing. To gain independence and make a sizable dent in energy costs no matter what gas prices and electricity rates are, homeowners and renters should consider always-on clean-home battery backup solutions like Jackery solar generators. Unlike traditional gas generators, these portable power stations are clean and quiet. That means no expensive fuel runs, noxious fumes or noisy operation. Plus, sunlight is free, so once you own a solar-powered generator, you can count on cost-stable energy.
Jackery's gasless, indoor-safe home batteries pair a portable power station with solar panels so that you can capture, store and use power on your own terms. By using the solar generator's stored power during peak hours, you can offset your energy bill and keep the essentials like refrigerators, laundry machines, fans and WiFi routers running, even when costs are high or the grid is down. You can even opt to connect a solar generator to your home's circuits with automatic switchover, like the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus combined with a smart transfer switch so backup kicks in seamlessly when you need it the most.
Jackery's generators are designed with modern living spaces in mind and meant to fit a real home, not to hide in the shed. So, whether you need to charge your computer, power a fridge or run essentials across multiple rooms at once, there are plenty of options that let you ride out price spikes and outages without lifting a finger.
Energy savings and independence are within reach
Lowering your energy costs doesn't mean you have to sacrifice modern comforts. Using these tips can get you started on the path to energy independence and a better energy budget, no matter the current energy and gas prices.
To learn more about how to take back control of your energy costs and the benefits of solar battery backup solutions, visit Jackery.com.
