Energy bills strain 68% of Americans — free or low-cost audits can expose hidden energy waste

Energy bills are putting financial pressure on over two-thirds of Americans, according to a recent Consumer Reports survey. 

To find out where heat loss is driving up their bills, the nonprofit recommends households utilize a free or low-cost home energy audit.

Here's what to know

In the recent CR survey, beyond the 68% of Americans who felt the financial strain of rising energy bills, about a quarter of Americans said these energy costs strain their finances a lot, causing them to forgo other necessities, like groceries, as WCVB reported. 

And unfortunately, this is part of a trend. As CR noted, "Electricity rate increases continue to outpace inflation, and more than half of Americans report that they've made trade-offs to pay their utility bills in the past two years, such as cutting back on non-essential spending, setting HVAC controls to uncomfortable temperatures, or even cutting back on groceries." 

To help reduce this strain, CR recommended scheduling an energy audit, which it notes can often be free through your utility or a local nonprofit. These audits can help you figure out which areas of your house are leaking air and wasting energy. CR advised homeowners to address uninsulated attics, basements, and crawl spaces first, followed by other gaps that let air in or out. 

Beyond an energy audit, CR advised taking advantage of time-of-use electricity plans, heating people (with blankets and sweaters) instead of their entire living spaces, going solar, and making basic DIY improvements, such as using a smart thermostat and LED bulbs.

Additionally, lowering water heater settings to 120 degrees, instead of the more common 140, relying on a ceiling fan over an AC, and covering windows with film or shades were among other pieces of advice.

Where can I learn more?

High utility bills are prompting households to look for energy waste and affordable ways to fix it. 

• In Maryland, homeowners face pricier winter heating as experts recommend free home energy audits.

• Across the U.S., rising power bills are forcing Americans to cut back on groceries.

• A two-minute paper test can help households identify drafty windows before calling a heating professional.

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