January is the season of big promises: “I’m going to meal prep,” “I’m going to meditate,” “I’m going to become the kind of person who runs 5ks on Thanksgiving.”
And then…life.
This year, try resolutions that don’t require willpower, extra time, or a personality makeover. Instead, add just a few small tweaks (and a couple of smart devices) to make your home more energy-efficient and easier to run. Think of it as self-care… for your house and your peace of mind.
Resolution #1: “I will stop paying for electricity I’m not using.”
Aka: the battle against phantom energy, the energy electronics draw even when they’re “off.” Smart TVs, game consoles, cable boxes sip power 24/7 like they’re at an all-inclusive resort. Smart power strips can automatically cut power to devices in standby mode, making this one basically effortless.
Do this today:
- Plug your entertainment center into a smart power strip.
- Turn on power-saving settings on game systems.
- Shut down computers/monitors when you’re sleeping or away.
Resolution #2: “My water heater and I will both chill.”
Hot water is amazing. Endless hot water is expensive.
Two simple habits can help:
- Shorter showers = less water to heat (and less time standing there thinking about every awkward moment since 2009).
- Set your water heater to 120°F (many homes are set higher than necessary).
Resolution #3: “Laundry will be a once-a-week sport.”
Washing smaller loads wastes water and energy. When you can, wait for full loads. If you do wash a smaller load, adjust the water level setting.
Bonus upgrades:
- Wash clothes in cold water when possible.
- Clean the lint screen every time (better airflow means faster drying, and it helps prevent house fires. Yes, really.)
- Resolution #4: “My refrigerator will be the gold standard of efficiency.”
Think of your fridge as a stage. Your star performers should always be in the spotlight. By keeping your go-to items front and center, you’ll save your refrigerator from working too hard, cutting down on energy use and keeping your kitchen running like a well-rehearsed show.
Resolution #5: “I will let a thermostat do the remembering.”
If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll totally remember to adjust the thermostat before bed,” you’re adorable.
A programmable, or smart, thermostat can automatically reduce heating/cooling when you’re asleep or away, without you having to think about it.
Add-on: ceiling fans = HVAC’s helpful sidekick
- In cooler months, set the fan to clockwise to help bring warm air down.
- In warmer months, set it to counterclockwise for a wind-chill effect.
Resolution #6: “I will stop air leaks from freeloading in my house.”
If your home has drafts, you’re basically paying to heat or cool the outdoors.
Quick wins:
- Seal leaks with weatherstripping and caulk.
- Use window coverings strategically:
- Warmer months: Keep coverings closed to reduce heat gain
- Cooler months: Open them on sunny days to let in warmth
Resolution #7: “I’m switching to LEDs and never looking back.”
LEDs are one of the easiest upgrades with a big payoff. Residential LEDs use at least 75 percent less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Start with the lights you use the most, such as your kitchen, living room or porch.
Resolution #8: “I will review my energy usage.”
Knowing where your energy goes is half the game. My Energy Usage lets you view your electricity use hourly, daily, and monthly, and even shows how weather impacts usage.
Resolution #9: “I will make my bill predictable with Budget Billing.”
If seasonal bill swings make budgeting stressful, Budget Billing can smooth things out by dividing estimated annual costs into 12 same and predictable monthly payments.
Resolution #10: “I will let my phone do the work.”
The UniSource mobile app is basically your account in your pocket: Pay bills, report outages, view usage, enroll in programs, and more. Saving time is as close as your phone.
Small changes, real savings (no kale or burpees required.)
