Energy

10 Ways to Save Money on your Utility Bill & Be Energy Efficient

Energy Efficiency Day was officially Wednesday, but every day’s a good day to save on your bills. There are simple ways to reduce your energy use at the office and home, whether you rent or own.

Tips courtesy of the Energy Efficiency Day website.

Here are 10 ways to save on your energy bill.

  1. Switch to LED lightbulbs.
  2. Seal leaks in your home.
  3. Heat & cool efficiently with a programmable thermostat
  4. Maintain your HVAC System by cleaning filters and get a winter tune-up.
  5. Buy ENERGY STAR®  products when updating appliances and home furnishings. PECO offers rebates for appliances, lighting, and more.
  6. Turn off and unplug those electronics when not in use. Keep the vampire (energy) away!
  7. Open curtains in the winter to allow sunlight to heat your home, the natural way.
  8. Close blinds & shades in summer months.
  9. Wash your clothes in cold water
  10. Use the dishwasher – it’s more efficient than handwashing. Also, avoid the “rinse cycle hold” nad skip heated drying.

Broke in Philly is a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the city’s push toward economic justice. Green Philly is one of more than 20 news organizations in the collective. Follow us on Twitter @BrokeInPhilly.

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

SEPTA real-time arrivals, FDR Park lawsuit, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  SEPTA to debut digital bus stop displays. SEPTA…

14 hours ago

New research shows widespread “ghost forests” in New Jersey

Scientists mapped millions of dead trees along the Atlantic coastline that show the impact of…

2 days ago

Why are Philly recycling rates so low? A mix of contamination, culture and systems still make it complicated in 2026.

City leaders, educators, and community advocates agreed on one thing at our recent recycling panel:…

1 week ago

Climate storytelling, nuclear production, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Chinatown Stitch design moves forward. The Chinatown Stitch…

1 week ago

Open Streets helps businesses, Transit in the City Budget & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Center City car-free streets increased sales for local…

2 weeks ago

d’griot Cafe Brings Sustainable Food and Community Space to Germantown

The Black-owned cafe in Maplewood Mall centers sustainable food, local vendors and community programming, all…

2 weeks ago