Most people would say that their monthly electric bill is just too high. Whether your intention is to save money, decrease your carbon footprint, or both, there are plenty of simple ways to lower your energy consumption every month that will also help you lower your electric bill. Here are some simple tips that you can start implementing in your home to “go green” while saving some “green.”
Focus on the Lights
Make it a habit to turn off any and all lights when there is nobody in a room. Try to use as much natural sunlight as possible during the day instead of turning the lights off and on. Switch to more energy efficient light bulbs that will not only help you save money on your electric bill, but they will last for a longer time as well. You can also consider installing dimmer light switches that will adjust to a more efficient amount of light and energy depending on the time of day.
Unplug Your Electronics
You can also make a point to turn off and unplug any electronics when you are not using them to eliminate what is known as “vampire power” or “phantom loads.” Your appliances operate with a “standby” mode which means that they are still using energy even when they are not being used. That is why turning off your computers, televisions, and other electronics can help you to save hundreds of dollars in energy costs, and drastically reduce the amount of energy you are consuming daily. If you would rather not make a habit of plugging in and unplugging your electronics, you can also choose to invest in a power strip to use for multiple devices. That way, you can just trigger the “off” switch on the power strip and automatically turn off all your electronics at once. You can lower your electric bill and save time while doing it!
Thermostat
Another way to lower your electric bill is to monitor how often you adjust your thermostat. To save money on air conditioning, keep your windows covered and your blinds down during hot summer days to prevent your house from getting too warm, and during cold winter days, open the blinds or curtains and let the light in to aid in heating your home naturally. Check the insulation in your home to make sure it is probably covered and not allowing too much heat or air to escape. You can also invest in a smart thermostat which can monitor the temperature in your home and send you reports on how much energy you are using to heat or cool your home. Smart thermostats can also be linked to your phone and you can control the air conditioning and heat from virtually anywhere. This will allow you to turn off the air conditioning or the heat if you ever forget because there is no need for them to be running in an empty house.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
There are plenty of appliances including refrigerators, freezers, ovens, dishwashers, computers, laptops, and printers that sport an Energy Star label indicating that they are energy efficient. Swapping out your energy-guzzling electronics with these energy efficient ones will significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your electric bill as a result.
Limit Your Water Usage
The cost of heating water is a major contributor to any electric bill, so save on water to lower your bill. Limit the amount of time that you are in the shower and make sure to turn off your faucet while you are brushing your teeth. Only running the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full will also reduce the energy used to heat the water. You can also wash your laundry with cold water. It will save energy and money and still get the job done!
With a few simple lifestyle and habit changes, you can be on your way to reducing the amount of energy you consume while saving money at the same time! If you need some help, there are plenty of energy-saving apps that will keep track of how much energy you are using and also provide you with tips, advice, and other resources to help you save money on your energy bill every month. Small changes can add up to big savings, so try out these simple tips to get moving in the right direction of becoming more energy efficient while keeping a little more money in your pocket!