Turning Off the Lights When You Leave the Room
Our parents were always big on this one. Leaving lights on in an empty room wasn’t just “wasteful”—it was downright unthinkable! It’s a simple habit that makes a surprising difference over time.
Unplugging Appliances Not in Use
Many of us know that certain appliances keep sucking up power even when they’re off. To our parents, unplugging was second nature, especially with items like toasters and coffee makers. This trick still saves quite a bit of energy—and money—each month.
Hanging Clothes to Dry
Our parents often had clotheslines or drying racks instead of using the dryer every time. Turns out, air drying extends the life of your clothes and saves energy, which really adds up if you’re doing multiple loads a week.
Keeping Thermostats Low in Winter
When it was cold, the thermostat was never cranked up to 75 degrees. Instead, they’d keep it lower and layer up. A few extra sweaters or cozy blankets were just part of winter, and today it’s still an effective way to cut down on heating costs.
Weatherproofing Doors and Windows
Drafts were the enemy, and they’d use everything from draft stoppers to plastic window kits to seal them out. Weatherproofing keeps the heat in during winter and cool air in during summer, making your home more comfortable and cutting down on HVAC usage.
Using Fans Instead of AC
On warm days, our parents knew fans were the ticket. Fans use a fraction of the electricity that air conditioning does, and they keep air circulating so it feels cooler without overworking the AC. Still a win for cooling costs.
Washing Clothes in Cold Water
Our parents didn’t think twice about this. Cold water washing uses way less energy than hot, and detergents today are formulated to work just as well without needing the heat boost, so it’s a simple switch with big savings.
Cooking in Batches
When our parents used the oven, they’d often cook multiple dishes at once or plan for leftovers. It made sense—since ovens use a lot of energy, using them efficiently saved both time and electricity. Plus, batch cooking means less takeout and more home-cooked meals.
Setting Timers on Lights
If you grew up with porch or Christmas lights on a timer, you know this trick! Timers were a go-to for managing lights automatically, cutting down on the chance of accidentally leaving them on, and now, they’re easier than ever with smart plug options.
Keeping Curtains Closed in the Summer
The sun might look inviting, but in the summer, it’s like turning on a massive heat lamp. Our parents would pull the shades during the hottest parts of the day, helping keep rooms cooler naturally and reducing the need for AC.
Running Appliances in Off-Peak Hours
If your parents had off-peak utility rates, you might remember the dishwasher or laundry machine running at odd times. Power companies still offer off-peak rates, and shifting heavy appliances to those times can still bring down your bill.
Limiting Shower Time
Lengthy showers were rarely encouraged, not only for water conservation but for keeping hot water costs down. A quick shower saves both energy and water, especially if you have a lot of people in the house!
Switching to Energy-Efficient Bulbs
Our parents might’ve been among the first to switch to compact fluorescents, which were more efficient than old incandescents. Today, LEDs are even better and can last for years, providing another solid way to keep energy costs in check.