15 Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Electric Bill

Are you tired of having to pay outrageous electric bills each month? You aren’t alone. Electricity is a blessing, but it can also cost you a lot of money. The average American household spends over $100 per month on electricity.

The good news is that there are tons of ways to trim your utility costs. Even a small saving on your bill means more money in your wallet each month. If you’re looking to cut your electric bill costs, this article will provide you with 15 tips and tricks to help you reduce your monthly electric bills. 

How Can I Save Money on Electricity?

1) Replace Appliances

If you have old, outdated appliances, they could be draining your wallet. A new generation of appliances can help you cut down on your energy bill. These modern devices give you the power of older appliances and more but are more sustainable and eco-friendly. They use less energy and water and help you save money.

2) Turn Off Lights

When you leave your home or even a room, make sure the lights are off. The lights in your home represent electricity use. Leaving even one light on can add up to a lot of wasted money. One light left on can cost you a lot of money on your electric bill. 

3) Unplug

Leaving electronics that are always plugged in but not in use is like leaving the tap on all night. It’s a waste of money and energy. To avoid this, you can unplug electronics or use a power strip that turns off when it’s not being used. If you have battery chargers that are plugged in but not in use, unplug them as well.

Unplug all of your devices when you’re not using them. This includes small appliances, TVs, video games, and other electronics. You’ll save money and energy by doing this.

4) Seal Doors and Windows

Inspect the caulk and weatherstripping around your doors and windows for wear and tear. Make sure that you replace worn or damaged caulk and weatherstripping. Doing so will keep your house airtight and energy-efficient.

The caulk and weatherstripping only have a couple of years’ worth of use in them, so you should be checking these regularly to ensure doors and windows are sealed.

5) Change Light Bulbs

Switch out of your incandescent light bulbs with CFL or LED bulbs. Both are better for the environment and use less energy. Although LED bulbs cost more initially, they last longer than incandescents and use up to 80% less electricity, which will save you money each month.

6) Use Cold Water

Did you know that you can save hundreds of dollars per year on your energy bill by using cold water to do laundry? 

Use cold water instead of hot water whenever possible to wash your clothes. Cold water is just as effective at cleaning clothes as hot water, and it uses much less energy.

7) Hang Out Your Clothes

An important energy-saving tip is to limit your use of the clothes dryer. In the US, clothes dryers are one of the biggest energy users in the home. The EPA found that dryers are incredibly energy-hungry. 

Stop using your clothes dryer and start hanging your clean clothes outside instead. You’ll save hundreds each year on electricity costs.

8) Don’t Use the Dry Cycle on the Dishwasher

Dishwashers usually save water compared to hand-washing. However, heated drying cycles use more energy, and costs you more money.

Instead of using heat, use air drying. It consumes less energy and is just as effective. Some dishwashers also have this option.

9) Adjust the Thermostat

To reduce your energy costs, adjust your thermostat by 10 degrees. In the summer, turn it up 10 degrees, and in the winter, turn it down 10 degrees. All you have to do is adjust the thermostat for eight hours each day while you sleep or work. This simple change can save you 10% each year on your electricity bill.

10) Take Shorter Showers

Shorter showers are better for the environment and your wallet. Shorter showers also reduce the amount of gas or electricity you use to heat the water.

11) Close Your Blinds on Hot Days

On hot sunny, summer days keep your blinds closed. During the summer, when the sun is directly on your house, close your blinds and curtains, especially on any south-facing windows. 

Keeping blinds and curtains closed will keep your home cooler in the summer and reduce cooling costs.

12) Install a Programmable Thermostat

Save on heating and cooling monthly with a programmable thermostat. This handy device will help you save money each month on your utility bills.

You can find programmable thermostats on Amazon for as low as $20, so they aren’t that expensive.

13) Use Power Strips

Some electronics never turn off, even when they are not in use. To address this problem, plug all of these devices into a smart power strip. This will cut off the current when the devices are not actively in use.

14) Buy Low-Flow Fixtures

Low flow fixtures are modern toilets, faucets, and showerheads that use significantly less water than their outdated counterparts. Making the switch is not only more economical but it’s better for the environment and the planet.

15) Use an Air Fryer Instead of the Oven

If you have an electric oven, it can cost you a lot of money on your electric bill, especially in the summer. A way to save money is to get an air fryer. Air fryers are smaller, more energy-efficient, and use less electricity than a full-sized oven. 

What Costs You the Most on Your Electric Bill?

The most electricity-hungry appliances in your home are your heating and cooling systems, particularly HVAC systems because they typically run all day and night. The cost of keeping your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter is directly related to where you live. If you live in a milder climate, you won’t need to run them as much as someone who lives in a colder or hotter one.  

Final Thoughts

Wouldn’t it be great to see more money in your wallet? Making minor changes can have a big impact on your monthly electricity bill. So don’t be discouraged – start implementing these tips today and watch your savings add up!