In 2020, the average American family spent $117.46 per month on their electricity bill, which amounted to more than $1,400 per year. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, gas and water bills, as well as energy prices, have increased by 30% since then.

You can't do much to influence energy prices, but you can minimize the amount of energy you consume. Small modifications in how you wash your clothes, cook, or set your thermostat can help you save money and improve the efficiency of your home.

Here are measures you can take to begin conserving energy, gas, and water... as well as money

Adjusting your thermostat is one of the simplest ways to reduce your electricity bill. According to the Ministry of Energy, adjusting your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can save you up to 10% on your heating and cooling costs. Adjusting your thermostat while sleeping or away from home is a simple way to accomplish this.

Obtain an energy audit. Even if your electric company doesn't offer this service, you can simply do a DIY home energy audit by following the guidelines on the US Department of Energy website.

Reduce the temperature of your water heater. A quick and simple solution is to adjust the temperature of a water heater. The thermostat dial on your water heater's electric or gas control valve is most likely near the bottom of the tank. Check the owner's manual for adjustment instructions, and if you have any questions, consult a professional technician.

Take advantage of discounted rates during off-peak hours. Time-of-use plans are offered by some electrical companies, which raise rates during peak hours and lower them during off-peak hours.

Turn off and unplug anything you are not using. You can also save money by unplugging devices that are no longer in use. Phantom power, or the power consumed by your devices when they are plugged in but not turned on, can cost an average of $100 per year.

Make use of your dishwasher. Running an appliance to save money on your electricity bill may seem counterintuitive. Any dishwasher made after 2013 is only allowed to use 5 gallons of water. A compact dishwasher is restricted to 3.5 gallons. According to the Geological Survey, hand washing a load of dishes uses anywhere from 9 to 27 gallons of water.

Change your air filters. Your air filter traps dirt, dust, pet hair, and other debris, preventing it from entering your HVAC system. When you don't change your air filters on a regular basis, this debris enters your HVAC system and clogs it, reducing its efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, replacing your filters on a regular basis can reduce your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5 to 15%.

Simple changes to your power consumption can be made on a daily basis. They are not expensive, but they can add up to significant energy savings.