Wasting electricity is not only harmful to the environment, but it leaves an impact on your wallet. Since more people started working from home, they’re running up their utility bills more than ever. However, there are some easy ways to lower your electricity bills without drastically changing your everyday life.
Use the Dishwasher Wisely
A dishwasher is a fantastic appliance that makes household chores less time-consuming, but it can use a lot of energy. Plus, many electric companies charge higher rates during hours of high usage. So if you’re going to use the dishwasher, start it at night before you go to bed. This way, you won’t be charged as much to use it.
That’s not all you can do to save electricity with your dishwasher. Turn off the drying function and leave your dishwasher open to allow the dishes to air dry. You won’t use so much energy when doing the dishes, and you can put off unloading just a little bit longer.
Light Your Home Efficiently
Leaving the lights on when it’s unnecessary can do a number on your electric bill. So it would help if you considered switching to energy-efficient light bulbs and turning off the lights when you leave the room. If you struggle with remembering, consider installing an automatic system that turns the lights off when the space is empty. Then, open the blinds during the day to let in natural light, which provides many health benefits, including increasing energy during the day.
Use Smart Plugs
When you leave your electronics plugged in without using them, they still waste electricity, which can contribute a significant amount to your bill every month. So, consider buying smart plugs or power strips that cut off the electric current to plugged-in devices that aren’t in use. You’ll notice a big difference in the long run.
Switch to Solar Power
Solar power is a great way to reduce your carbon emissions, electric bills, and even tax bills. When you switch to solar, you won’t rely so much on the power grid because you’ll be sourcing free energy from the sun. However, the amount you save depends on how many solar panels you need to power your house. So the more you can get, the more you can save.
Another benefit of using more solar panels is that you may not have to worry about power outages during severe storms. Instead, you’ll have enough electricity to power your home when you use adequate battery storage, regardless of whether the power grid fails.
Efficient Laundry
Washers and dryers can use a significant amount of electricity, but there are ways to make your laundry more efficient. To start, consider using cold water to wash your clothes. It’ll save electricity and leave more hot water for the shower. Additionally, if your washer has a quick cycle, you can use that for items that don’t get very dirty.
Next, you’ll need to maintain your dryer. Clean the lint trap between every cycle, and check the dryer duct for buildup often. If there’s lint blocking the airflow, your dryer will use more electricity since it has to work harder to dry your clothes.
Thermostat Management
Your HVAC system can use a considerable amount of electricity, and some of it is unnecessary. For example, when you’re not home, do you need the air running the whole time? Consider turning it down (or up in the warmer months) when you leave the house. Additionally, do the same when you’re cozied up under the blankets sleeping.
Seal Up Your Home
Air leaking into the house from the outside can cause your HVAC system to work in overdrive. Thankfully, this is an easy fix, and it can save you considerable money on utility bills. First, ensure all your doors and windows are properly sealed, so no air comes inside. Then, place covers over all the outlets. If that doesn’t help, check for insulation in your walls. You may need to add some if possible.
Optimize Your Showers
Many people love a nice, long, hot shower at the end of a long day. However, this can be a colossal waste of energy. So you should take some measures to improve the energy efficiency of your shower. Of course, you don’t have to give up taking hot baths or showers to relax completely. Just limit the time you’re in there and invest in a low-flow showerhead.
Conclusion
Electric bills can often fluctuate, surprising us every month. However, there are many ways to keep them down if you make a few simple changes within your home. First, you can start small using energy-efficient light bulbs and smart plugs. Then, you can make other changes to your routine, like taking shorter showers and using cold water to wash your laundry. But if you want to make the most significant difference, installing solar panels can give you the biggest cost savings.
