Restart: Change Your Energy Routine and Save

It's a new year — a time for starting over, making resolutions and setting goals. One worthy goal is to conserve energy. It's not only good for the planet but good for your bank account, too. After all, the average U.S. household spends nearly $1,900 on energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

By making a resolution to use less energy and sticking to it, you can reduce your monthly bills and your impact on the environment. Here are some simple changes you can make to your daily energy routine that can add up in savings over time.

• Take shorter showers. A standard showerhead uses 2.5 gallons per minute, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. So, a 10-minute shower can use 25 gallons of water plus the energy used to heat that water.
• Adjust the thermostat to save energy when everyone is sleeping or no one is home.
• Turn off lights when you are the last one to leave a room.
• Pull the plug on standby power by unplugging rarely used electronic devices and by plugging multiple devices into a power strip for easy shutoff.
• Fill it up. Wait until you have a full load before running the dishwasher or laundry appliances.
• Cook efficiently. When cooking on the stovetop, match the size of the pot or pan to the burner to avoid wasting energy. Use a lid for even more savings.

Upgrade and save even more

Give your new routine and your household budget a boost with these affordable energy-saving upgrades.

• Install a smart thermostat to optimize savings and convenience by automatically adjusting temperatures according to your schedule.
• Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescents and last much longer.
• Plug smarter with advanced power strips or smart plugs, which automatically cut power to unused devices.
• Go low-flow with water-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators. These easy-to-install devices use less water while still providing a comfortable flow.

By restarting your energy routine, you can save money and do your part to create a more sustainable future this year and every year. You can shop for smart thermostats, advanced power strips and more on the I&M Marketplace. Many products have instant discounts to help you save even more.