You’re probably groaning in frustrated agreement already. Electricity costs can quickly add up and become a significant expense for many households, especially when energy demand is high. With the cost of electricity constantly rising, finding ways to reduce your electricity bill is crucial. Luckily, there are many simple and effective ways to save money on electricity. Here are ten tips to help you save money on your electricity bill and lower your energy costs.
- Unplug Unused Appliances
Unplugging appliances you’re not using is an easy way to save money on your electricity bill. Even if an appliance is turned off, it can still use energy if plugged in. - Switch to LED Light Bulbs
LED bulbs are much more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. They use less energy and last much longer. Switching to LED light bulbs may not show rewards immediately, but the savings will appear over an extended period. Another benefit: you won’t need to change bulbs nearly as often. - Install a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat is a great way to save money on your electricity bill because it allows you to program your heating and cooling system to run at specific times. For example, you can set the temperature to lower when you’re out of the house or asleep. Many electricity utility companies offer rebates on these purchases. - Turn Off Lights When Not in Use
Leaving lights on when not in the room wastes electricity and can add up quickly. Make it a habit to turn off lights when you leave a room. - Take Shorter Showers
Taking long showers can significantly add cost to your electricity (or gas) bill. Reducing the length of your showers is a simple way to conserve energy used to heat the water. - Use Fans Instead of Air Conditioning
Fans use less energy and may be able to cool down a room as effectively as an air conditioner or keep a room cool for longer after using A/C. - Use Solar Power
Installing solar panels is expensive initially but if you are planning on keeping your home for a while (break-even is 9-12 years on average and their life-span is 25 years) it can make sense financially. Check with local city and utility company programs to see if you qualify for discounts or rebates. - Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
Most detergents work just as well in cold water, so you won’t have to worry about sacrificing cleanliness. - Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks can cause your heating and cooling system to work harder, resulting in higher electricity bills. Make sure to seal any air leaks around your home to save money when using the appliances. - Install Energy-Efficient Appliances
Replace your old appliances with newer, energy-efficient models with the Energy Star label. Local water and utility companies often offer cash rebates when buying energy efficient appliances.
These ten tips can save money on your electricity bill and lower energy costs. Implementing even a few of these tips can significantly affect energy costs.
And if you do end up needing to finance to make some of these happen, always consider your Credit Union. Unlike most lenders, we are not-for-profit and return earnings to our members in the form of better rates than most banks and other for-profit financial institutions can offer.
