According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the typical American family spends over $1,386 a year on home utility bills, and a large portion of that energy is wasted. Not to fear: there are several things you can do each month to conserve energy and reduce the strain on your wallet.
Conduct a Home Energy Audit
An energy audit will show you which areas of your home use the most energy. You can conduct this yourself, contact your local utility or call an independent energy auditor. A comprehensive evaluation should include:
- Checking insulation levels
- Looking for open fireplace dampers
- Searching for holes or cracks around doors, light and plumbing fixtures, and other places where air may leak out
- Ensuring appliances and heating and cooling systems are properly maintained
Temperature Tips
- Weatherize your home – caulk and weather-strip any doors and windows that leak air.
- Install a programmable thermostat that will reduce heating (or turn air conditioning up) at night and when you are not home.
- Consider replacing single-pane windows with double-pane; they have coatings that reduce heat loss or gain, depending on the season.
- Keep your thermostat under 70 degrees in the winter and a few degrees cooler than the outside temperature in the summer.
Water Use
- Repair leaky faucets immediately.
- Use low-flow showerheads.
- Insulate your hot-water storage tank and pipes.
- Drain a quart of water from your tank every three months to remove sediment (which impedes heat transfer and lowers efficiency).
- Lower the hot water heater to 120 degrees.
- Take short showers instead of baths.
- Wash only full loads of dishes and/or laundry.
- Air-dry dishes and line-dry clothes if possible.
Renewable Energy
There are more options than ever to use renewable energy. When building a new home, orient it to avoid overhead summer sun and to benefit from winter sun in cooler climates. Try a solar pool heating system, which can cut costs for heating swimming pools or hot tubs. Under certain conditions, installing solar cells might be right for you.
Vehicle Use
Improve gas mileage by:
- Avoiding aggressive driving
- Observing the speed limit
- Removing roof racks or carriers if not used often
- Keeping up with maintenance – clean air filters can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent
- Ensuring tires are properly inflated and aligned
- Using the correct grade of oil
Contact INSURICA for more Personal Lines resources.
This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information provided herein is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should it be construed as advice regarding coverage. Eligibility for coverage is not guaranteed and all coverages are limited to the terms and conditions contained in the applicable policy. © 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Share This Story
Related Blogs
Flexible Compensation: A Necessary Evolution
In today’s fast-evolving job market, flexible compensation is redefining how companies attract and retain talent. Traditional pay structures, once seen as stable and predictable, are now losing appeal, particularly among younger professionals who prioritize personalized benefits over rigid salary scales. While flexible compensation models have gradually emerged since the early 2000s, the post-pandemic work era has rapidly accelerated their adoption—driven by shifting workforce expectations, economic volatility, and the rise of remote work and gig employment.
Balancing Employee Wellbeing and Financial Pressures
In today’s economic climate, businesses are facing rising costs and inflationary pressures, leading to a fundamental reassessment of employee benefits programs. While mental health and wellbeing initiatives remain a priority for employers, there is a growing demand for measurable impact and cost-efficient solutions rather than superficial perks. As companies strive to balance budget constraints with competitive benefits, the future of workplace wellness is shifting toward strategic, high-value programs that support employee health without breaking financial sustainability.
How Businesses Are Using Data Analytics to Optimize Employee Benefits Engagement
In today’s competitive job market, businesses are increasingly leveraging data analytics to enhance employee benefits engagement, ensuring that workers fully utilize available resources. Traditional benefits programs often suffer from low participation rates due to lack of awareness, complexity, or misalignment with employee needs. By integrating data-driven insights, companies can personalize benefits offerings, improve communication strategies, and maximize employee satisfaction while optimizing costs.