National Cut Your Energy Costs Day Date in the current year: January 10, 2025

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day was established by the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance (CEEA) but has since spread to the United States where it has even been endorsed by the U.S. Department of Energy. The best way to celebrate is to assess your energy consumption, find ways to reduce it, and implement those changes. We will provide tips to help you do just that.

Make sure your home is properly insulated. Our energy bills tend to rise during the cold months when heating accounts for a significant portion of our energy consumption. Proper insulation reduces heat loss and subsequently lowers your energy bill. Ensure that your home has no insulation leaks, and address any leaks promptly.

Install a programmable thermostat. How often do you forget to lower the heat when you leave home or go to sleep? If this happens often, consider installing a programmable thermostat that will do this automatically. You’ll be surprised at how much lower your energy bill can be when you’re not heating unused space!

Check your appliances and be mindful of how you use them. Older appliances tend to be less energy efficient, which can result in high energy bills. Consider replacing some of them. Although buying an energy-efficient refrigerator or dishwasher may seem expensive, it will save you money in the long run. Additionally, unplug appliances when they are not in use because electronics consume a small amount of power, called standby power, even when they are not being used actively. Another way to reduce energy consumption is to run your dishwasher or washing machine only with full loads and to choose eco or low-temperature cycles.

Check your water usage. Wasting water increases more than just your water bill. Energy is required to pump water into your home and to heat it, making water use a significant source of energy consumption. Installing an energy-efficient showerhead, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, and fixing leaky faucets or a toilet cistern that does not fully shut off can all reduce unnecessary water and energy use.

Upgrade your lighting and remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Most people have switched from incandescent light bulbs to energy-efficient LEDs, but if you haven’t, it’s time to upgrade. Regardless of the type of lighting you use, remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room.

Consider installing solar panels. This tip is not universal, but if you have the opportunity, you should consider installing solar panels on your home. Solar energy will not only help you reduce your energy bills, but it may also become an additional source of revenue, as you can sell excess solar-generated electricity back to the grid.

These changes may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to implement them all at once. Start with small steps, such as turning off lights or unplugging appliances, and then work on other improvements.