Planning your home
Three Areas to Review for Home Energy Costs
Look at heating and cooling, water use, and appliance use before assuming a purchase will reduce household bills.
Originally published · Updated
Start with your usage and current rates when reviewing energy costs. A higher bill can have several causes, and a new appliance is not automatically the answer.
Heating and cooling
Follow equipment maintenance instructions and ask a qualified professional about performance problems. Compare usage across similar periods and consider changes in weather or household routines. Do not use a general article as a repair procedure.
Water
Watch for unexplained changes in usage and arrange appropriate help for leaks or equipment problems. Follow manufacturer instructions for appliances and fixtures rather than making adjustments you are unsure about.
Electricity
Review appliance use and compare model-specific energy information when planning a replacement. EnergyGuide labels can help compare similar models. Include purchase, installation, and any agreement costs; no fixed savings amount or percentage is guaranteed.
