Coast-to-coast and around the world, the heat is really on. As summer temps continue to set new records, so do electricity bills. Finding ways to save energy has never been more important for us as individuals and as a planet. If big ticket items (like solar power, a more efficient HVAC system) aren’t in your budget, no worries. There is another option. Think small, yet smart, with energy saving home products like these. They’re practical, affordable, and designed to help you keep your cool without breaking the bank.
The kitchen is often one of the hottest rooms in the house because a stove and oven emit lots of heat.
Air fryers save time, energy and money. According to this study, the cost of of cooking for 300 hours with an electric or gas oven is $120-$153 compared to $39—the cost of cooking for 150 hours with an air fryer (air fryers cook at least 50 percent quicker). Many affordable energy saving home products work with convection, cooking fast and evenly while releasing very little heat into the room. This air fryer also has a 5.8 quart basket that feeds up to five people, or fits an entire rotisserie chicken.
Premium air fryer, $129.99.
Over the past 25 years, I’ve owned two De’Longhi countertop ovens. Both have have been work horses and very durable. This countertop oven cooks 40% faster than a conventional oven without adding heat to the kitchen because of its insulated construction and double glass door. And it’s big enough to bake a pizza in it.
Livenza compact convection oven, $199.95.
Every day, I use an electric kettle like this. In about three minutes, it heats water to a boil. Having bought several kettles over the years, here’s what I’ve learned. “Cool touch” kettles with stainless steel interiors are the safest and most durable.
Meison Cool Touch stainless steel electric kettle, $22.99.
The laundry room is also usually one of the hottest rooms in the house. Most of a dryer’s energy goes into producing heat (duh), so the less your dryer is used, the more your savings will add up.
Drying racks have been used by thrifty homeowners for generations, and for good reason. They save on energy and clothes remain in good condition longer (dryer heat breaks fibers down). These drying racks are designed for compact spaces, and fold up for storage, too. My mom bought a similar over-the-door rack for me when I got my first apartment. Two houses later, I still use it every week. I also own the Amazon drying rack. It’s well-made and durable, too.
JALL drying rack, $11.99.
Whitmor over-the-door drying rack, $24.80.
I’m used to hot summers because I live in Texas. However, my thermometer lost its mind one month earlier than usual and we’re having energy grid issues (don’t get me started), so I’m trying to be extra prudent with my electricity use. By keeping a floor fan on, I’m finding that my home feels cooler because the air from my HVAC system is continually circulated at body level rather than rising upward.
I didn’t know about oscillating tower fans until I came across this one. It stands 42” high, has nine speeds, operates by remote control, and is really quiet (25-24db). The best price I’ve found for it is on Amazon where a $10 coupon is currently available.
Dreo Pilot Pro tower fan, $99.9 (when $10 coupon is applied).
While energy saving home products like these won’t deliver the same level of impact to your electricity bill that big ticket products do, they will help when used consistently and along with similar products. During sweltering temps like these, they’re worth trying.