There are many things that can affect your energy usage and in turn, affect your utility bill. We outline the three main categories to help shed some light on what's making your utility bill so high.
The first step you can take is replacing all of your old lighting with LED lights. LEDs are much more efficient and last much longer than traditional lighting. After you’ve done that, you can cut down on energy usage by installing lighting control and occupancy sensors. These sensors help you save on energy usage by automatically turning lights off when a space is unoccupied.
Upgrading your television can also cut down on energy costs. Newer models of TVs are much more energy-efficient and can save you money in the long run.
If you’re looking to replace your old incandescent light bulbs, you can save money by using DTE’s discounted lighting pricing.
Extreme temperatures, hot or cold, can cause your heating and cooling equipment to work harder and work longer, which in turn increases your energy use. There are ways to cut down on costs by turning your thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer. You may also consider upgrading to a higher efficiency furnace, which can save you money during the winter months.
If you’ve recently purchased new electronics, these can also increase your energy usage. During the holiday months, keeping your decorations lit up uses more energy. During this time, people tend to spend more time inside, this means your heating and cooling equipment is being used more often, which increases your energy usage. Programming your thermostat can keep your home comfortable while cutting down on energy usage.
