Saving money on your monthly electricity bill is easier than you think. Here are some easy ways to start saving:
Turn it off!
Did you know turning off a small desk light for 30 minutes a day can save you up to $45 per year?
You can make big changes to your electricity bill by making small lifestyle changes – and you can start by TURNING IT OFF!
- turn off the lights when you’re not in the room.
- turn off appliances after they’re done being used.
- turn off the air conditioner before going to bed (it takes a long time for the unit to cool down – and the same goes for the heater in the winter)
These small changes can make a big transformation in your energy bill.
Appliances
The first, and easiest method to be a smarter consumer is to unplug appliances when they’re not in use. When we leave our chargers plugged in all the time, it is just a waste of electricity!
It’s also important to consider the time of day you’re using your appliances, especially if you live in an area with peak loads! Think before you flip the switch on the coffee grinder! Be mindful as you press the power button to blow dry your hair! Consider the power needed to rev up the smoothie maker!
Energy efficiency upgrades can be pricey upfront – however, simple changes to your home can result in hundreds of dollars each year in savings. The most cost efficient form of an energy efficiency upgrade are smart switches, which turn appliances off when you’re not home.
Space Heating Units(HVAC)
Did you know that you can save up to 80% on your utility bills by adjusting the temperature of your home to a warmer setting? It is best keep the room temperature between 68 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit (20-23 degrees Celsius). This will help your system run less, and cost less on your bill.
Saving money on your heating costs can be as easy as switching to a heat pump. A heat pump uses the naturally heated air to heat or cool your home, and typically costs much less than a conventional heating system.
Another way to save money on your heating costs is by making sure your ductwork and vents are clean. This will help you get better airflow and potentially allow you to save even more on your heating/cooling costs. You can try cleaning up your air ducts with caulk or a scourer to lower your heating costs. Your ducts get clogged up with dust, dog hair, and grime which can reduce your airflow and raise your energy bills.
Light Bulbs
Another way to save on electricity costs is to get creative with lighting. First, let in natural light! Natural light from outside reduces the need for artificial lighting in your home, which equates to less electricity needed.
Your home lighting system is one of the largest components of your electricity bill. One easy way to save on electricity costs is to get creative with lighting; select only the lights that need to be on at any given time and don’t leave lights on if no one is home. You can also save money by replacing inefficient light bulbs with Energy Star qualified ones or LED Lights, which are much more efficient than incandescent bulbs. LEDs use just 10 percent of the power that incandescent bulbs use! While LEDs cost a little more upfront, they will save you money in the long run!
And remember, whenever you leave the room, TURN IT OFF! Most of us don’t think about turning off lights when they’re not in use – but turning them off is the easiest way to cut your energy bill!
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