Using renewable energy sources like solar power around your home may not solve all your energy needs; hence, electricity is necessary.
If your bill bites too deep into your pockets, you can make subtle changes around your home that can result in significant savings. These include turning off the lights, running full appliances, checking your thermostat, installing roof insulation, and more.
This article will reveal ten practical tips to help you save money on your electricity bill.
Turn off the lights
It may sound simple, but it is an issue that gets addressed regularly for most families for a good reason; keeping the lights on when not in use causes a significant drain on your electricity and your money.
A 40-watt light bulb consumes 0.04 kWh of energy in an hour. If you get charged 20 cents per kWh, it saves you $0.008 per hour if the light stays off. Looking at the figure may seem like a meagre saving, but if you switch off five lights in your house for 10 hours a day, you might save $12 a month on your electricity bill.
Getting in the habit of turning on the light only when you are using the room can save you money. And if it’s sunny outside, consider using the natural light to your advantage.
Change your light bulb
The simple task of switching your light bulbs can result in considerable savings. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) do not consume as much energy as traditional incandescent lights.
LEDs can use up to 75% less power than the old halogen bulbs, lasting up to 25 times longer.
The bulbs may cost a bit more and require a budget for them, but you can save a lot of money over time. When shopping, look out for the green Energy Star logo to ensure it is an energy-efficient product.
Do an electricity audit
Utility providers can conduct a home energy audit upon your request, sometimes for free. They will run tests after informing them of your concerns and what you hope to accomplish.
They check the quality of your insulation and inspect for air leaks in your home. They give you the best recommendations on fixing any significant issues that cost you extra dollars.
Run full appliances
Some appliances in your home, like the washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher, can save up on electricity consumption if operated at full capacity.
Avoid running your washing machine for a few pieces of clothing and wait until you have a full load in the basket. On the laundry day, you can cut back on the amount of energy you use by running fewer loads.
When it comes to the drier, use it for a full load and avoid over-drying your clothes. Drying similar items at the same time is a great energy saver. For instance, drying your T-shirts and towels is not ideal since towels take longer to dry. Another tip on the drier involves using the automatic cycle instead of the timed settings; this ensures the moisture sensors function correctly.
If you want to save on your electric bill, try to do away with the dryer and opt to line dry your clothes.
Keep your freezer full
That’s right; keeping a full freezer can help insulate your whole appliance. If the freezer is already cold and stays that way, it doesn’t use extra energy to keep your goods frozen; a great save on your dollar bills.
Check your thermostat
Your thermostat is your personalised weather station for your home. The more hours you spend at home, the more you use heating and cooling daily. As most people do, you likely set it and forget it. If you don’t optimise your thermostat’s settings, it can result in a higher electric bill.
Consider setting your thermostat between 18 and 21 degrees since every degree you lower may reduce costs by 10%.
Close doors and open curtains
Keeping the outside doors open while the AC or furnace unit runs wastes your precious energy. Open doors escape the warm or cool air and make your unit run harder, using more energy.
Also, keep the doors to the rooms you’re using closed and only cool or heat the spaces where you spend the most time.
If it’s sunny outside, turn off the lights and open the curtains to let in natural sunlight. During the winter, ensure the windows stay appropriately sealed to keep in the heat, while in summer, you can keep the curtains closed through the day to keep your house cooler.
Install roof insulation
When heat escapes through the roof, it can make your heater work overtime and, in turn, increase your electric bill cost.
Installing an insulated ceiling helps retain the heat and makes a notable difference in your energy usage. It saves you up to 20% on heating and cooling expenses per year.
Turn appliances off standby
When electrical appliances are not in use, many enter the standby mode. It may appear like your devices aren’t using energy, but they use electricity in the background, commonly called phantom power.
Appliances on standby can increase your energy consumption by $108 per year. Therefore, ensure your devices and plugs stay turned off when not in use.
Take more showers
If you regularly have baths, consider replacing them with showers, significantly reducing energy consumption. Baths use up more water compared to showers. Reducing your wash time can lead to substantial savings on your electric bill.
Questions and Answers
How do I save money on my electricity bill?
You can save money on your electricity bill by installing roof insulation, turning off the lights when you are not in the room, and adjusting your freezer and refrigerator temperature.
How can I cut my electricity in half?
You can cut your bill in half by unplugging unused electronics, taking shorter showers, and ditching your old desktop computer.
What makes your electricity higher?
Taking a long shower, leaving lights on, especially when using traditional incandescent bulbs, and staying indoors more often result in more energy usage.
How much is the average electricity bill per month?
The average electric bill for a basic home is around $120 and $1,172 per year. The price ranges depending on the size of your home.
How much is too much for an electricity bill?
If you notice a rise in your electricity bill by over 25%, you can start questioning your energy consumption.
How much do you pay for an electricity bill?
The average electric bill is $318 per quarterly for a single-person household.
Conclusion
By following the mentioned tips to save on your electricity bills, we hope you get a substantial saving in your pockets to cover extra bills around your home.
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