Whether you want to help preserve our environment or you want to spend less money, I bet you are wondering, “How can I lower my electricity bill?” It is something that everyone can benefit from! Fortunately, there are all kinds of ways to cut back on electricity use and lower your bill. For maximum energy conservation impact, get the whole family involved. Here are energy saving tips ranging from simple habits to more involved home renovations for how to lower electricity bill.
Best Ways To Lower Your Electric Bill
1. Lights Out
Turn off the lights when not in use. So easy!
2. Eliminate Energy Sucks
Unplug any electronics with a box attached to the cord (like your cell phone charger) when they are not in use. They suck energy any time they are plugged whether they are in use or not. Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use or place in Sleep mode.
3. Use your heater less.
Adjusting your thermostat even a few degrees can make a difference. Just a few degrees lower in the winter and higher in the summer can add up to big savings in energy and money. Close curtains and blinds when the sun goes down to help insulate and prevent heat loss.
Use a programable thermostat to reduce energy consumption during times when you are not at home or are asleep under covers. According to ENERGY STAR, proper use of a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.
There are lots of other ways to reduce your heating needs from making a draft stopper to air sealing home improvement projects. Seal any air leaks or drafts in your house so your HVAC doesn’t have to work harder than is necessary.
4. Use your air conditioning less.
Again, adjusting your programmable thermostat a few degrees adds up to savings. Make sure you get your unit serviced so that it runs most efficiently.
5. Energy Saving App
There is an app for saving energy! The HomeSelfe app shows you where you can save and provides discounts for useful green upgrades.
6. Fridge Savings
Don’t hold the refrigerator door open longer than you need to. Also, make sure your fridge isn’t placed next to a source of heat that causes it to work harder than it needs to. Clean refrigerator coils to make sure they aren’t working harder than it needs to.
7. Lighting Savings
Another tip for how to lower electricity bill, is to switch to energy efficient light bulbs and use as much natural lighting as possible. An ENERGY STAR Certified Light Bulb uses about 70-90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
8. Reduce Loads
Only run your washer or and dishwasher when you have a full load. Don’t use the heated dry option on your dishwasher. Let them air dry.
9. Use the dryer less.
Hang your laundry to dry when the option is suitable to you. When you do use your dryer, remember to empty the lint trap after every load so that it can run more efficiently.
10. Use Landscaping To Your Advantage
You can also use landscaping to conserve home energy. You may want to trim back trees or shrubs that block light and sun heat from your house unless you live in a hot zone. In that case, you may want to plant shade producing trees.
11. Heat less water.
Heating water is actually a huge energy drain. Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees F. This is also great for preventing burns in
houses with children. Whether it is taking a shorter shower, or washing your laundry on cold, heating less water will equal significant energy and electricity bill savings.
12. Energy Star
Replace old appliances with Energy Star Appliances for big savings on regular use.
13. Use Energy In Non Peak Hours
See if OhmConnect, a startup that created a unique system to pay users to save energy during peak hours, is available in your area.
14. The Correct Burner
Use the smaller burner on your stove when you are using a smaller pan because it uses less energy than larger ones.
15. Roofing Choices
When you replace your roof, chose roofing tiles that conserve energy through material and color choice. This way for how to lower electricity bill need not cost you any extra and only needs to be done when you are replacing your roof anyway.
16. Air Filters
Replace the household air filter monthly so that your HVAC functions efficiently.
17. Fireplace Flue Damper
Make sure you keep the fireplace flue closed when not in use. This keeps heat from rising right out of the house. (Don’t forget to open damper before use.)
18. Close Vents
Close vents in rooms that are not used.
19. Dryer Vent Cover
Make sure you have a dryer vent cover that is designed to remain closed when the dryer is not in use. This helps prevent clogs that result in energy inefficiency.
20. Energy Audit
See if your energy company offers a free home energy audit or have one done by a local home energy audit service.
I hope you find these 20 ideas for lowering your electricity bill helpful. What do you do to save energy and reduce your electric bill? Do you have any ideas for getting the whole family involved? Which ones of these tips for how to lower electricity bill do you find most helpful? Share your reducing electricity bill tips @familyfocusblog. We love getting new eco tips!