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Here are some of the devices and appliances that might be secretly costing you money and energy, and how to save on both.

Researchers found that two alleles in the wood pink plant species may allow the perennials to adapt to warming temperatures.

A new study finds that land subsidence is outpacing ocean-driven sea-level rise along the northern coastline of Java Island, Indonesia.

5 ways to reduce your energy bill whether you rent or own JR Culpepper April 6, 2026 With everything from groceries to gas getting pricier, monthly expenses can feel even more daunting. But with spring bringing warmer weather, there are five steps to consider that may help lower monthly utility costs and bring relief for renters and homeowners.These tips, including running appliances strategically or embracing solar power, are a win-win by helping you save money on energy bills, while also helping the environment. Switching to greener energy sources or reducing your energy use altogether can help lower the cost, while alleviating the need for reliance on dirty energy sources like coal.1. Set your thermostat for savingsIn the warmer spring and summer months, set your thermostat no cooler than 78 degrees. In the winter, set it no warmer than 68. If those temperatures are uncomfortable for you, make small 1-2 degree adjustments until you hit the right spot. In the summer, every degree above 72 can save you at least 1-3 percent on your utility bill. That can add up to more than $200 per year, based on average monthly utility bills of $600. Ratepayers in states like California with higher electricity rates will save even more.  2. Make the switch to LED lightbulbs. Spring cleaning could include added savings by switching out old energy-inefficient bulbs for higher-efficiency LED bulbs. The average household saves around $225 in yearly energy costs by switching to LED bulbs. The lighting inside your home accounts for 15% of your total electricity usage. LED lightbulbs can cut electricity consumption by 75-90%.These bulbs save energy and cash long-term and usually cost around $2 each, only slightly more expensive than a traditional light bulb. Their cost has decreased significantly since they entered the market, and will likely continue to come down further.3. Run your appliances strategicallyIf you live in an area that requires “time-of-use” pricing for electricity, where it’s more expensive in the evening than mid-day or night, be mindful of when you use large appliances such as your air conditioner, your dishwasher or your washing machines that may need lots of energy. Electricity prices are usually lower before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m. Running the dishwasher or doing your laundry outside of the 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. window can help you score savings on your next bill.  4. Consider going solarEveryone can go solar, whether you rent or own. If you own your home and have a roof that gets good sunlight, have a reputable solar contractor visit your home and give you a free bid for adding professionally designed and installed solar panels. Depending on the policies and programs available to you where you live, a rooftop solar system can cover all of your home’s electricity usage for the year, helping you save thousands of dollars. If you rent, or have a heavily shaded roof, consider balcony solar. These systems are smaller, simpler versions of rooftop solar, typically 1/5th to 1/30th the size. They don’t need professional installation, just a small patch of sun on a balcony or patio and a regular wall outlet. Just like with rooftop systems, the electricity that balcony solar produces is used instantly inside a home, powering everyday essential appliances. These technologies reduce your reliance on traditional utilities, lowering your monthly payments. With prices starting around $400 to $1,200, these systems can cover up to 30% of a household’s average electricity use, making them one of the most accessible clean energy options available. At today’s prices and depending on where you live, the systems can pay themselves within three to six years and start saving the average consumer around $200-$450 per year on energy bills.Depending on where you live in the U.S., these systems are currently available for purchase. Utah was first to enact a law allowing these systems to be sold, in 2025. And legislation is pending in several other states, including California and New York, that would, if enacted, lower prices and make these devices available and easy to use for everyone. 5. Replace old windows Old, inefficient windows can significantly waste the energy you use to heat or cool your home. Replacing older windows with new, efficient ones can cut your utility bill by 25-30%. The average upfront cost of a new window can range from $300-1,200, but since the average window lasts 15 to 30 years, with hundreds of dollars in savings each year, the investment will save money in the long run. For homeowners, new windows increase the resale value of your home, while bringing in monthly energy savings by reducing your energy use.  Areas of Focus Energy Guest Authors Grant Pacernick, Communications intern April 6, 2026

An M.A. in Climate and Society alum shares the inspiration behind his new children’s book about climate action.