Use the Laws of Physics to Cut Your Power Bill in Half Cheaply and Simply
Nearly 20 million households in the US are behind on their utility bills — 14% more than last year. Millions of hard-working people are forced to choose between buying groceries and turning on the AC — and the utility costs are only expected to increase.
We heard this and needed to learn more. We spoke with Dan Hnatkovskyy—Housing expert, co-founder, and CEO of NewHomesMate, a marketplace for new construction homes—to help us understand what simple things we can do to reduce energy costs enough to effectively cut our power bill in half. Here’s what he had to say and why.
Energy Savings Percentages
1. Use the Laws of Physics to Save on Utilities
“Hot air naturally rises, while cold air naturally sinks—and it can take your energy bills down with it.
In the summer, place a single air conditioner on the top floor of your home. This will replace the rising hot air with cold air, keeping the entire house cool. Place the AC in an open space, such as a hall, and facing away from walls to maintain proper airflow.
If the temperature outside is lower than inside, don’t just open one window. Open windows on each floor so that cold air can enter the lower level and warm air trapped upstairs can escape. Likewise, in the winter, focus on heating the downstairs and let the air flow up.”
That’s sound advice from Hnatkovskyy, and making the adjustment costs little to nothing, but what’s it worth?
How Much Can Using Physics Save on Utilities?
The cost savings will vary depending on the size, layout, and design of your house, the temperature difference between outside and inside, and even which direction your home and windows are oriented.
You can expect to save 10-30% on your utility bills annually by addressing weatherization issues, improving insulation, maintaining (or replacing) your current heating and cooling systems, and building an efficient energy habit that you exercise consistently.
Why Using Physics Works to Help Cut Your Power Bills in Half
You won’t be fighting against the laws of physics—you can work with thermodynamics to direct the air where you’d like it to be in your home. Your home exists within the natural world, and you can use this to your benefit. Utilize windows, shades, and natural airflow to cut on the most significant portion of your energy bill—heating and cooling. Load your refrigerator and laundry machines strategically to optimize energy efficiency and efficacy.
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2. Arrange Furniture to Promote Natural Airflow
Hnatkovskyy says, “Position heat-absorbing objects, such as dark-colored furniture or thermal mass materials (brick, stone, and tile), nearby south-facing windows. These materials absorb heat from the sunlight and release it slowly over time, helping to keep your home warmer for longer.
You can also create natural pathways for air circulation by arranging your furniture effectively. For instance, avoid placing large pieces of furniture in the middle of a room. A clutter-free environment will allow air to move freely, preventing the accumulation of stagnant air pockets.”
How Much Energy Can Natural Airflow Save?
Ensure that heat registers, radiators, and vents have adequate space for air to flow into the room. Place your furniture at least 6 inches away from your heating/cooling system to allow proper airflow and save up to 10% on heating and cooling. Keeping your couch and bed away from outside walls will also help you to feel more comfortable since these walls absorb the outside temperature and transfer it to your furniture.
While considering your radiators, consider how frequently you use each room. If your heating system allows it, turn off the heat to rooms where you don’t spend much time.
Why Using Natural Airflow Can Help Cut Your Power Bill in Half
Whether using a heating/cooling system, windows, or a combination, proper airflow will pay dividends. Use cool night air to give your AC a break, and use sunlight to warm your home throughout the day in winter. Use fans in any season to help air move throughout your home. Proper airflow allows your heating/cooling system to work much more quickly by distributing the treated air properly. Utilizing the laws of thermodynamics to your benefit will lower your reliance on heating and cooling the air.
3. Insulate Your Windows Without Breaking the Bank
“If modern window installation is out of your budget, you can always DIY it,” Hnatkovskyy says. “In the summer, use reflective window film, which is applied directly to the glass surface to reflect solar rays away from the interior, reducing the amount of heat entering the room.
In the winter, apply a clear film around the inside edges of the window. Press it firmly against the trim and use a hair dryer to gently heat it. This creates an insulating layer of air between the window and the film, reducing heat transfer and preventing drafts — and it couldn’t be easier to remove once winter passes.”
How Much Help is Window Insulation?
Window insulation is beneficial. Most people choose a transparent film that adheres to the window while allowing you to see out and for light to come in. The cost per window is minimal. Expect window film to save about 5-10% of your home’s energy bill annually. Many films block 40-60% of energy lost through your class and can cut the cost of air conditioning your home by up to 30%, according to Yahoo Finance.
During cooler months, cellular shades reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more, saving about 10% on your heating. Make sure they’re installed tightly for maximum benefit. In warmer months, Energy.gov states that the same shades reduce unwanted solar heat by up to 60%, reducing the total solar gain to 20%.
Why Insulating Windows Works
Insulating your windows works by slowing air transfer between the outside and inside of your home. Double-pane windows have a layer of air or other gas that mitigates heat transfer. Cellular shades use the same concept by creating a sort of accordion that captures air and keeps it near the window, keeping the room and outside temperatures separate. You can add coatings to your windows, which reflect light and heat while still allowing you to see.
4. Seek Shade From Mother Nature
According to Hnatkovskyy, “Large deciduous trees (ones that lose their leaves) planted on the east, west, and northwest sides of your home offer soothing shade from the hot sun and can reduce summer air conditioning costs by up to 35%.
Trees on the east side of your garden will cast shadows on your house in the morning, southerly trees will cast shadows in the mid-morning and early afternoon, while trees to the west will block out the afternoon sun when temperatures are at their hottest.
These trees will keep your home shaded throughout the summer, preventing your energy bills from skyrocketing. But, as they lose their leaves, they won’t block out those rare glimmers of sunshine that keep us going during the winter months.”
How Much Energy Can Tree Shade Save?
Committing to landscaping for energy efficiency can cut heating bills by about a third during the heating months. The summertime benefits can be just as good, with air conditioning costs reduced by 15-50%. These benefits assume mature trees and shrubs to protect your homes.
However, you can start this process with a single tree or shrub for as little as $30. A vertical garden is a great place to begin. Hiring a landscaper knowledgeable in energy efficiency will help you learn about where to place plants for maximum benefit, and they can help you make a long-term plan.
Why Tree Shade Can Help Cut Your Power Bill in Half
Deciduous Trees are a great energy saver. They create needed shade in the summer months. That alone lowers the amount of sun exposure and heat absorbed by your home through the roof, siding, and windows. Think of them as blinds that change seasonally–keeping heat off your home during the summer and letting in light and warmth in the winter. Paired with passive heating architecture principles, you can save even more on your power bill.
More Inexpensive Ways to Help Cut Your Power Bill in Half
Wondering how to cut energy bills in other inexpensive ways? Making changes can feel like a hassle, especially if you’ve built a habit. However, if environmental sustainability and energy efficiency are important to you, every effort, regardless of size, has a compounding effect. The money saved in the short term is another great incentive!
