Lower your electric bill with these simple, easy to follow steps.
Electricity is integral to our current times. Without it we couldn't cook, clean, bathe, or keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Unfortunately, electricity can be quite expensive. The bill coming in each month could be higher than necessary, but there are some things you can do to lower that bill. Many things can contribute to a high electric bill, and on the top of that list is heating and cooling. You can also change the way you cook your food and clean your home to cut costs.
First, let's look at your heating and cooling systems. Here are 10 simple steps you can take to save money on heating and cooling your home:
1. Your doors and windows should be tight and properly sealed. If there are spaces between the door and doorframe, you could be losing heat. Some weatherstripping can fill in those spaces and keep heat in. You can fill in small cracks in your windows with some caulking.
2. Check your thermostat. Compare the temperature readings with an accurate thermostat. If the readings are different, you may need a replacement. Also, choose a temperature and stay with it. 68 degrees Fahrenheit is a good one to choose.
3. Check your filters. Usually, filters need to be cleaned or replaced on a monthly basis. Any exterior heat pumps or air conditioners should be clear of any obstructions.
4. Have a heating and cooling specialist inspect your duct work for any leaks and repair them.
5. Leaking faucets can waste gallons of water each month, or even each day. They should be repaired as soon as possible.
6. Use cold water whenever possible, such as when using your garbage disposal, when brushing your teeth, washing dishes, shaving, and even soaping up in the shower.
7. To stay cool in the summer, use drapes, shades, curtains, etc. Also use the stove as little as possible and reduce light usage.
8. You should also have your heating and cooling systems checked annually by a professional to keep them running efficiently.
9. Use fans instead of your air conditioner as much as possible.
10. Your air conditioner should be set at 24 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Next, let's look at your lighting. Here are 4 steps you can take to save money on lighting your home:
1. Turn off lights when leaving a room.
2. Unless it is completely necessary, leave outside lights turned off.
3. Replace your regular bulbs you use most often with florescent bulbs to save energy.
4. Lights and light fixtures should be cleaned often.
Your laundry machines and dishwasher may use up more hot water and energy than necessary. You can save on both with these steps:
1. Use cold water to wash and rinse your laundry in the washing machine. Also, only use your dishwasher or laundry machine when you have full loads.
2. Hang clothes that are still damp after done drying.
3. The lint from your dryer hose should be cleaned biannually, and the lint screen should be cleared after each load.
4. Let dishes in the dishwasher air dry.
5. Hang clothes outside to dry whenever possible, instead of using your dryer.
Save money when bathing by following these 2 steps:
1. Showers use less water than baths. Your water heater should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Hot water pipes should be protected with insulation.
2. Save water and energy by using a small tub to bathe your baby in. These can be found at any store that carries baby supplies.
The refrigerator is often overlooked when trying to save money on your electricity, but it can also use more energy than it should. Try these easy steps to reduce energy waste in your refrigerator:
1. A full freezer and refrigerator uses less energy.
2. Shut off your automatic ice maker.
3. The temperature should be between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Do not put hot foods in the refrigerator. Wait until they cool.
5. Don't hold door open longer than absolutely necessary.
6. Inspect the door gaskets on your refrigerator and freezer, and be sure they seal tightly to keep the cold inside.
Your stove can take up extra energy if not used properly. You could also change the way you cook to save money. These simple steps will help you save energy when using your stove:
1. You should never use your oven to heat your home.
2. When boiling water, lower the burner when it boils.
3. Use your microwave instead of your oven whenever possible.
Using these methods, you can potentially save hundreds on your electricity each year.
