Top 10 Energy-Consuming States & Energy Conserving Techniques

Headlines about energy rate hikes have been a pattern in the news cycle for years and show few signs of stopping in many states. In fact, millions of Americans can expect gas and electric rates to increase through 2023. According to Spectrum News, Floridians will be seeing rate hikes on their energy bill beginning in April:

The Florida Public Service Commission approved rate hikes for utility companies who are trying to recover costs related to hurricane preparation and increased fuel costs.

In Ohio, CBS 10 reports that this summer:

The average [Ohio] customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of energy each month can expect their bill to increase 28% from about $155 a month to $198 a month.

FOX 5 reports that in California:

SDG&E is proposing a $3 billion budget from 2024-2027, which would increase rates by an average of $18 a month.

Climbing energy rates, combined with inflation, a looming recession, and other economic circumstances, may force U.S. homeowners to seek ways to reduce their monthly utility bills. Luckily, there are plenty of effective energy conservation techniques to make your home more energy efficient. We compiled our favorite power saving tips below. We also rounded up the top 10 electricity and natural gas-consuming states so you can see how your state ranks compared to the rest of the country. Read on to find out if your state made the lists and learn more about energy efficient homes.

Top 10 Electricity-Consuming States

1. Texas
2. California
3. Florida
4. Ohio
5. Pennsylvania
6. New York
7. Georgia
8. Illinois
9. North Carolina
10. Virginia

Source: Statista

Top 10 Natural Gas-Consuming States

1. Texas
2. California
3. Louisiana
4. Pennsylvania
5. Florida
6. New York
7. Ohio
8. Illinois
9. Michigan
10. Indiana

Source: Statista

Benefits of Energy Efficient Homes

There’s no doubt that energy efficient homes produce lower energy bills than homes not optimized for power saving. That’s the main reason homeowners invest in making their house energy efficient. However, energy-efficient homes provide other benefits besides saving power that should not be overlooked.

Energy efficient homes are ideal for health and comfort. They’re better at maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level, making you feel more comfortable in your space. You'll be less likely to experience drafts or cold spots, which might make you want to turn up the thermostat and drive up your energy bill. Energy efficient homes can also have health benefits, as it can reduce the risk of indoor air pollution and improve indoor air quality. This can be especially important for those with seasonal allergies and other respiratory health problems.

Additionally, energy efficient homes also help to protect the environment. These homes use fewer natural resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, producing less pollution. Both electricity and natural gas rely on burning fossil fuels. When fewer fossils are burned, there is less air pollution. Energy efficient homes can help reduce smog, acid rain, and other environmental impacts that harm the planet and human health.

Lastly, energy efficient homes are typically more valuable in the real estate market than non-energy efficient homes. Prospecting homeowners are increasingly looking for homes that have a low environmental impact and low energy bills. Energy efficient homes come with energy-efficient appliances and infrastructure, so buyers are willing to pay more.

How Much Of Your Energy Bill Is Created By Your AC?

The percentage of your energy bill that your air conditioning system is responsible for depends on several factors. The size of your AC unit, the efficiency of your AC unit, the climate you live in, and how often you use your AC system can all impact how high your bill is. However, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, air conditioning can account for 6% to 60% of your monthly energy bill, with an average of around 13%.

In warmer climates where air conditioning is used frequently, such as in the southern United States, the percentage of your energy bill that your AC system is responsible for may be higher. The portion will likely be lower in cooler climates, but the heating bills are likely higher in the winter.

If your AC unit is old, inefficient, or not regularly maintained, it may use more energy and be responsible for a higher percentage of your energy bill. AC maintenance, and HVAC maintenance in general, are crucial to making your home more energy efficient. HVAC maintenance is a power saving technique that lowers your energy bills, improves your quality of life, and increases the value of your home.

If HVAC maintenance is new to you, we recommend starting with an AC Tune-Up. Filterbuy LOCAL technicians are EPA-certified professionals, so you can trust that your home is in expert hands. Our AC Tune-Ups include a 21 point HVAC inspection, a high-pressure drain line flush, and an AC report card with pictures and diagnostics readings. Schedule your AC Tune-Up today to get your system running efficiently. If you know you’re ready for an entirely new AC system, our technicians can also take care of that. Get your AC skillfully replaced by licensed professionals and receive free bonus equipment and access to our Premium Maintenance Contract with every installation. Get started here.

How Air Filters Are Used For Power Saving

Air filters are an often overlooked, but powerful tool for power saving. A clean air filter allows for better airflow through your HVAC system. Dirt, lint, dander, and other airborne pollutants clog up your air filter over time and restrict airflow. Clogs force your HVAC system to work harder to push air through the filter media, using more energy and causing your energy bills to increase. When your HVAC system runs more efficiently, it uses less energy to maintain the desired temperature in your home. This means that your energy bills may be lower as a result.

Air filters do more than reduce your energy bills. They also extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. When your HVAC system doesn't have to work as hard to push air through a clean filter, it puts less strain on the system overall. This lengthens the life of your HVAC system, saving you money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs or replacement.

Air filters can also help save money if you experience dander, pollen, or dust allergies. They decrease exposure to allergens by trapping them in the filter media and preventing them from recirculating in your indoor air. For those with mild or moderate symptoms, air filters reduce the need for air purification systems and over-the-counter medication. Allergy medication can be expensive, and the costs add up over time.

Air filters are an easy and practical energy conservation technique. If you’re looking for air filters for your energy efficient home, our U.S.-made filters come in over 600 dimensions across three MERV ratings. With the option to customize your filter size, we’re sure we can get you the size you need. Start by finding your size here.

Need help determining which MERV rating is right for you? Take our MERV Match Quiz.

HAVE YOU MET YOUR MERV MATCH? TAKE THE QUIZ

Energy Conservation Techniques

Not all energy conservation techniques require the homeowner to buy expensive appliances with energy use certifications. There are various power saving tricks that require little to no effort and initial investment. Here are some of the most effective power saving techniques:

ELECTRONICS: Turn off electronics and appliances when they're not in use, or use power strips to turn off multiple devices at once quickly. Even when in standby mode, electronic devices can use a significant amount of energy.

LIGHTING: Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED or CFL bulbs, which can use up to 80% less energy and last much longer.

AIR LEAKS: Seal air leaks around doors, windows, and other areas where air can escape your home. This can reduce the energy your HVAC system needs to use to maintain the temperature you get on your thermostat. Sealing air leaks also makes your home more comfortable.

NATURAL LIGHTING: Use natural lighting during the day instead of artificial lighting. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light, and consider installing skylights or light tubes to bring more natural light into your home.

WATER CONSERVATION: Install low-flow showerheads and faucets, fix leaky pipes, and only run your dishwasher and washing machine with full loads to conserve water and energy.

Though these power saving techniques may seem like insignificant changes, they quickly compound and can have you hundreds of dollars each year.

HVAC Energy Conservation Techniques

As we discussed, your HVAC system is responsible for a substantial portion of your energy bill. Here are some HVAC-specific energy conservation techniques to reduce HVAC energy consumption.

• Clean your air ducts. Debris slows airflow and makes your HVAC system work harder and longer than it has to.
• Seal your air ducts. Leaky air ducts allow air you paid to cool/heat to escape.
• Change your air filters. Clean air filters optimize airflow in your home, making your HVAC system efficient.
• Adjust your thermostat. Turning off heating/cooling when no one is home or when everyone is asleep can dramatically reduce your high electricity bill.

For more power saving tips and energy conservation techniques, read our article on Energy Rate Hikes. If you want to start making your house a more energy efficient home, Filterbuy offers a variety of HVAC solutions. If you’re stocked up on filters already, you can keep reducing your energy bills by scheduling routine HVAC maintenance services with Filterbuy LOCAL. Filterbuy LOCAL offers both air duct cleaning and dryer vent cleaning services provided by EPA-certified professionals, both of which help reduce long-term maintenance costs. Get a free quote today!