There’s no doubt that electric bills tend to run high, especially this time of year when the weather is cold. Unless you’re paying a measly $30 a month for electric, there’s always room for improvement. It’s easy to simply say, “Turn off the lights when you leave a room,” to lower your electric bill, but there are many other ways to bring that bill down. Here are a few you probably never even thought of that can really make a difference.
1. Contact your electric company for an energy audit.
Most utility companies offer this service to their customers, but even if they don’t, you can conduct your own. It’s important to find out what’s costing you the most so you know where you can cut energy use.
2. Dimmer switches make a difference.
Install dimmer switches in the rooms you spend the most time in. Use only the amount of light you need, when you need it and notice your monthly bill drop quickly.
3. Stock your fridge and freezer.
When your fridge is full, the food acts as an insulator, reducing the amount of time it has to run to stay cool.
4. Use ceiling fans – even in the winter.
Ceiling fans can typically run in both directions to keep air circulating. On the summer setting, they will keep cool air circulating so your air conditioner works more efficiently. On the winter setting, the fan pulls the warm air that has risen to the ceiling down to help keep your house as much as ten degrees warmer.
5. Schedule annual HVAC system maintenance.
To keep your HVAC system running at peak performance, it’s important to schedule a yearly checkup. Also, to keep the electric bill down, replace its filter every 30 days. In addition to saving money, you’ll have cleaner air in your home!
6. Change the light bulbs in your home.
Switch to CFL light bulbs, which use up to four times less energy than the old-fashioned incandescent kind. Start in the rooms you use most and then switch out the others as they burn out.
7. Turn of the heat dry on your dishwasher.
Most of the energy used by your dishwasher goes into the heat dry feature. Turn it off and let dishes air dry, or better yet, wash your dishes by hand.
8. Only wash full loads in the washer and dishwasher.
Rather than running a load that isn’t completely full, wait until it is before turning the machine on. You’ll get more done at one time and save money at the same time.
9. Clean dryer lint traps often.
Not only does it save money when you clean the lint trap in the dryer after each load, it reduces the fire risk, too. Once a month, wash the lint trap with hot, soapy water to remove fabric softener residue and lint that might be blocking air flow.
10. Clean behind the fridge.
Refrigerator coils gather a lot of dust, and when they’re dirty, your fridge has to work harder to cool your food. Keep the coils once every three months.
These are just a few of the ways you can help reduce your electric bill each month.
Do you have any suggestions you’d like to share? What innovative ways do you have to lower your electric bill and cut costs around your home?
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