We are all looking for ways to tighten our belt these days, and saving money on household bills can make a significant impact on your budget. The good news is, there may be very simple changes that you can make today which will save you hundreds over the next few months and years. Your electric bill is often one of your largest monthly expenses, so we are here to offer some tips to help you decrease those costs wherever possible.
If you are looking for a comprehensive report on how you use electricity in your home – and where you might be able to save money – call Promise Electric for a home evaluation.
Tips for a Lower Electric Bill
There are many ways to approach cost cutting which will affect your electric bill.
1. Examine the seals on doors, windows, and appliances: You’ll want to make sure that the cool air from your A/C doesn’t escape through cracks in your doors or windows; or that the cold air being generated in your refrigerator and freezer isn’t escaping the appliance. Dysfunctional seals permit energy to drain out, draining your wallet as it goes. Additional tip? Set your fridge to 38 degrees and your freezer between 0 and 5 degrees. Your fridge and freezer work nearly as hard to maintain the temperature.
2. Check out your ductwork: Your A/C works hard to keep your home cool through some very hot and humid months. You don’t want to waste any effort expended, so be sure to improve the efficiency of your cooling systems by maintaining ventilation and air conditioning ducts.
3. Invest in a smart thermostat: Most people have their A/C set to their ideal temperature all day long, even when they aren’t there. A smart thermostat will automatically raise the temperature while you are gone, and lower the temps again when you are scheduled to return. This move alone can have a considerable effect on your electric bill.
4. Look into your water habits: Your water heater needs to work to generate hot water, so taking shorter showers is a great way to conserve energy. Reducing your shower time by just 2 minutes can save 5 gallons of hot water per shower. An efficient showerhead can decrease your water usage by 2,700 gallons per year. Finally, consider washing clothes in warm or cold water (rather than hot), which will cut per-load energy usage by at least 50%.
5. Check out Energy Star appliances: If it is time for a new clothes washer or dishwasher, plan to purchase an energy-efficient model as rated by Energy Star. Most important are the appliances that run most often, like the refrigerator, HVAC system, and washer and dryer.
6. Change your lightbulbs: It is a small savings, but a savings nonetheless. Change the bulbs on your most used light fixtures from traditional bulbs to LED. Some more tips regarding lighting include installing dimmer switches, which moderate the brightness in a room; and using smart power strips which cuts off the current when the devices connected to it aren’t in use.
Conducting an energy audit is a practical way to understand your family’s energy usage. The master electricians at Promise Electric have the experience and expertise to help you conduct an audit to lower your electric bill, perform electrical repairs, or do any electrical projects around the home.
