The sun is out, and the days are getting longer. That means that summertime is here! The heat can start to take a toll on everyone during this time of year. It can also put a strain on your energy bill. The hotter it gets outside, the more you use your air conditioning and fans.
This can cause your electricity bill to skyrocket during the summer months. For example, residents in the state of Texas are now able to choose their electricity plans. Texas electricity plans are one way residents can choose to be wise and save money. If your state has this option, you should do your research before committing to a provider.
If you do not have the option of choosing your personal electricity plan, there are many other ways you can save on your energy bill. In this guide, we will cover the top tips to help you save on your energy bill.
Tip #1: Air Dry Your Laundry
One simple thing to do that will not likely affect your daily life at all is to hang up your laundry instead of using your dryer. It may take longer to dry, but if you plan ahead, your clothes can dry reasonably quickly.
The air dryer in your home costs a lot of money to run. It also emits a lot of heat, which causes the temperature in your home to rise. This will lead to having to use more air conditioning to cool it down.
Even if you live in a small city apartment without an outdoor space to create a clothesline, you can easily get an inexpensive rack to hang your items in your home.
Tip #2: Change Your Lightbulbs
This may sound like a simple task, and it is, but it can help reduce the amount of money you spend on electricity over time. You have more lightbulbs in your house than you think! One simple thing to do that does not cost too much money to implement is to change all of those bulbs.
Compact fluorescent and LED light bulbs use 50 to 80 percent less energy than incandescent ones. They also last up to 10 times longer!
Tip #3: Staying Cool
One of the most significant contributors to your energy bill is your air conditioner. In certain climates, it is nearly impossible to not have the air conditioner on, especially during the summer months. While using the air conditioner may be necessary, there are ways to limit usage.
You can invest in fans that will allow you to use the air conditioner less. You would be surprised how much cooler you are when a fan is pointing directly at you. If you include a stand-up or ceiling fan in each room, you can turn up the air conditioner or maybe turn it off altogether.
Tip #4: Appliances
Another major contributor to your energy consumption is the use of appliances. We know that some appliances are necessary for your household, but you can minimize your usage of them. You can wash your dishes by hand as opposed to using the dishwasher, for example.
Also, when shopping for new appliances, ensure that you are getting the most energy efficient by keeping an eye out for the blue energy star label.
A Few Final Words
These are just a few easy tips to help you reduce your energy bill. Whether you’re looking to save money or you’re looking to be greener, reducing your energy consumption can be easy. So next time your bill comes, consider making a few changes that will save you in the long run.
