Want to take a bite out of your electric bill? If so, implement these ten steps and you’ll soon reap the rewards of lower monthly payments.
Maintain Your HVAC Unit, Vents & Filters
To keep your A/C unit running efficiently, it’s important to change the air filters as recommended by the HVAC manufacturer. You should also follow a regular cleaning schedule to make sure vents aren’t blocked. Have you HVAC unit checked by a professional each year.
Power Down!
Computers, TVs and lighting all use power, but why keep them on when not in use? Power down these items to help you save on electricity.
Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) — they are more energy-efficient and last longer.
Keep the Ceiling Fans Going
Battle heat in the summer and stop running to the thermostat to turn up the air conditioner by installing ceiling fans and keeping them on all day in the most used areas of your home.
This allows cool air to flow throughout the rooms and helps keep you cool when relaxing.
Insulate Your Water Heater
If your home uses all electric power, it will also help if you insulate your water heater with a warming blanket. You can find these blankets at any hardware or home improvement store.
Close Drapery and Window Shades
Keeping drapes and window shades closed will help keep the hot sunlight from entering your home. Purchase insulated Also, consider installing wooden blinds and close them during the day.
Buy an Energy Star Rated Refrigerator
Did you know that you can of your refrigerator by 40 percent by purchasing an Energy Star rated refrigerator?
If your budget is tight, other ways to cut down on the cost of running your refrigerator is to keep it as full as possible and cool off leftover food entirely before placing it inside. A good temperature setting to help you slash the electric bill is between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
In fact, you can save even more on your electric bill. When it’s time to replace an appliance, computer or other electric-powered item, seek out those clearly marked with the Energy Star seal.
Air Dry Dishes
Adjust your dishwater settings to air-dry the dishes. Using the heat setting costs much more, and allowing them to dry on their own will cut down on utility bills.
Use Cold Water for Clothes Washing
Skip the hot water and use only cold water to wash clothing, towels and sheets. Go a step further and dry clothing outside on a laundry line.
Close Vents in Unused Rooms
If you have a guest room or other spare room that isn’t used often, close the A/C vents in these rooms and divert air to the rooms you do want to cool down.
Adjust the Thermostat
In warmer months, keep your thermostat set at 78 degrees or higher and take advantage of ceiling and other types of fans. In the winter, try keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees and use throw blankets and comfy slippers to stay warm.
Track All Your Accounts With Personal Capital
Personal Capital lets you see all of your accounts in one convenient place. Sign up now for free.Lowering your electric bill has never been easier, especially if you follow these ten tips.
Jay says
You overlooked a correct size washing machine. If a family currently uses the washing machine daily, changer to a larger machine whould allow washing every other day, saving electricity, water and detergent. If already washing every other day, a larger capacity washing machine would mean less wahing (say, 3 days instead of two)
Harry Campbell says
Yea that’s a good one. I’ve also noticed new appliances are way more energy efficient so even if your old unit is still working it might be a good idea to replace it to cut back on the energy consumption.