We’ve all had the unpleasant experience of getting our electric bill after a particularly hot (or cold) month and being shocked at the cost – no one likes to receive a surprise bill.
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to manage your electricity usage and keep costs low. Below, we’re sharing our favorite tips for how to conserve energy and (hopefully) save money on your electric bill.
Energy Saving Tips: 11 Ways to Save Money on Your Electric Bill
Here’s what to do if you’re looking for ways to lower your energy bill:
- Determine why your electric bill is so high
- Set rules, timers, or other automations for your thermostat
- Shorten your shower time
- Weatherize your windows and doors
- Use energy-efficient appliances
- Add motion sensors to lights
- Only use energy-smart power strips
- Use only cold water for washing clothes
- Modify your freezer and fridge temperature
- Seal attic leaks
- Switch to energy-efficient lightbulbs
Determine Why Your Electric Bill is So High
Take control of your electric bill by first determining the potential underlying cause of your high bill. Did the heat or A/C run more than usual during the month? Did you leave most of your lights on when you left the house? Was this increase an anomaly, or was it part of a seasonal trend?
Set Rules, Timers, or Other Automations for Your Thermostat
It sure does seem like the thermostat creeps up on its own during the summer and winter months. But if you want to keep your power bill low, you need to actively monitor your thermostat and keep it at a threshold that’s comfortable and easy on your wallet.
If babysitting a thermostat isn’t your cup of tea, consider utilizing a smart thermostat like CPI’s inTouchTM Thermostat. With smart thermostats, you can monitor your energy consumption, set up automations to automatically turn the temperature of your house up or down, and access your thermostat remotely. As an added bonus, these smart thermostats can even shut down HVAC units during a fire if they’re integrated with your smart security system.
How to Set Your Smart Thermostat to a Schedule
Shorten Your Shower Time
Who doesn’t love a long hot shower in the winter? Unfortunately, all that hot water isn’t free. These indulgences can add up to a pretty energy penny over the winter months. The solution? Keep your hot showers short and sweet to lower your monthly electricity bill.
Weatherize Your Windows and Doors
As the saying goes, “Don’t pay to cool off the outdoors.” A surprising amount of hot or cool air can escape from windows or doors if they’re not correctly sealed. These drafty spots are a costly nuisance, but they’re also easy to fix. Use fresh caulk to seal up any cracks or gaps in your windowsill. For doorways, consider using a weather strip to block any air that might escape at the base of the door.
Use Energy-efficient Appliances
Even though energy-efficient appliances might cost more at first, it’s worth the investment in the long term. Older appliances tend to consume power even if they aren’t active – just being plugged in is enough for them to start racking up your energy bill. On the other hand, energy-efficient appliances consume less electricity during both their active and resting states.
Add Motion Sensors to Lights
Consider installing a motion sensor if your home uses outdoor lights. Not only can this help you save money, as your light no longer needs to be on all night, but it can also protect your home from potential burglaries. The act of a light suddenly coming on can make it seem like the homeowner is aware of the burglar and flipped on the light. Depending on your outdoor lighting capabilities, you could also set them on a timer to help with energy regulation.
Only Use Energy-smart Power Strips
Think of all the appliances you have plugged into outlets throughout your house (video game systems, TVs, phone chargers, laptops, lights, and so on). Even when these systems are turned off, they may still be drawing electricity.
That’s where smart light and appliance controls and switches can come in handy When you leave the house or go to bed you can turn off the power to lights and appliances directly from your app, as well as customize timers to turn lights and appliances on and off based on your schedule.
Use Only Cold Water When Washing Clothes
Laundry seems to be never-ending, especially if you have children at home. And doing all that laundry with hot water, just like those nice hot showers, can add up over time. Consider mixing a few cold water loads into your laundry routine. Not only can this help save you money, but it can also help prolong the life of your wardrobe.
Modify Your Fridge and Freezer Temperature
It’s easy to forget to change these temperature settings as the seasons change. But often, we’ll leave the ultra-cold setting for summer running through the winter when there’s no need. Adjust these temperatures as the seasons change, and you won’t even notice a difference—except on your electricity bill.
Seal Attic Leaks
A drafty attic can go unnoticed for a long time—with everything going on in the living areas of your home, it’s easy to forget about what’s going on in your attic. That’s why it’s important to check your attic as the seasons change and make sure there aren’t any leaks or air transfers to the outside world.
You also should check your attic access point for potential leaks. If you have a pull-down ladder or crawlspace entrance, consider purchasing a thermal shield to insulate the access point to keep your temperate air from escaping into your attic.
Switch to Energy-efficient Lightbulbs
Just like with energy-efficient appliances, using energy-efficient light bulbs can save a lot of money over time. If you’re still using the same fluorescent lightbulbs you used twenty years ago, consider updating to LED bulbs. Not only do LED bulbs last longer, but you’ll also have a better quality of light in your home.
The Power (Bill) Is Yours
Don’t let high energy bills put the squeeze on your monthly budget. With a bit of detective work and some upfront investment in products that help regulate your home’s energy consumption (like a Smart Thermostat or Light Control), you can better manage your energy bill. For more smart home and overall home maintenance tips, visit the blog today.
