Salary increases have not matched the cost of living increases for decades. Costs for food, transportation, housing, and electricity continue to rise, leaving consumers to search for cost-saving strategies to reduce their bills.
Your location, provider, and usage can all affect the amount you pay each month for electricity. Electricity prices are also affected by the time of year and are typically higher during the summer months. Fortunately, you can manage your electricity bills and keep your bills from increasing by employing these energy-reduction strategies.
1. Maximize Savings on Your Electric Rates
Compare electric providers and their rates to determine which provider offers the best price. Cost-comparison sites, such as MoneyGains, provide information about electric providers and their fees. You can determine which payment options each vendor offers. MoneyGains provides a valuable, free financial service. Their system prompts you to provide specific information about your current electric bill and determines how much you will save by switching plans. It also identifies providers who would charge more. Use this information to make informed decisions about your energy provider and select the best plan for your personal needs.
MoneyGains also runs a form where users can share tips and information about discounts. You may be able to increase your savings on electricity by participating in their discussion forum. Your electric rates can be impacted by the time of day. Some electric companies offer reduces rates for off-peak hours to encourage people to run appliances at night. Your savings may increase by running your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer at bedtime.
2. Manage and Maintain Your Air Conditioning
Have air conditioning experts, such as Direct AC, perform routine maintenance on your AC unit. Replacing your filter will ensure your system maintains indoor air quality and operates effectively. Leaks and clogged filters can affect your AC unit’s ability to disperse cold air, which means your AC unit will work harder to maintain cold temperatures. You will spend more money on your electric bill as a result. Direct AC can assess your needs and provide a free estimate for maintenance and repair services to ensure your AC unit runs efficiently.
It’s possible to save money by managing your AC unit. Use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature during times of day when nobody is at home. Turn your thermostat a couple of degrees higher to further reduce the cost of AC.
3. Manage Your Water Usage
One way to save money on your electric bill is by immediately fixing leaky faucets, pipes, and toilets. When you have water leaks, your water pump will work harder to deliver water throughout your home. Repairing those leaks will eliminate this expense.
Your electricity bill is also affected by your use of hot water. Most water heaters are set to 140°F. Lower your heater to 120°F and use cold water to wash your clothes to reduce the cost of heating water. Insulating your hot water tank can prevent heat loss year-round.
4. Invest in Energy-Efficient Lighting
Pull back drapes and open blinds to let natural light into your home. Move furniture near windows to enable you to read or crochet without using a lamp. Turn lights off when you aren’t in the room. Your energy bill will be lower if you rely on natural light instead of using lamps throughout the day and evening and only turn your lights on when necessary.
Replace burnt-out bulbs with energy-efficient lightbulbs to increase your savings. LED bulbs use less electricity and last longer.
5. Use Appropriate Appliances
Replace your appliances with energy-efficient models. Energy-efficient refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, and freezers can reduce your monthly electric bills.
Use appropriate appliances during the summer. It’s possible to cook chicken and bake desserts in a toaster oven. Your electricity bill benefits when you use a smaller oven because the appliance does not need to work as hard to heat more air and will not affect your household temperature as much as running a full-size oven would. You may also be able to use your grill for cooking food to avoid heating your kitchen.
