14 Easy Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill

Knowing how to lower your electric bill allows you to take steps that can save a bit of money. While electrical automation can help you be more energy efficient, there are even simpler steps you can take. Here are some easy ways to start saving right away:

1. Use a Programmable Thermostat

Setting a schedule can cut energy usage when you’re not home. A smart thermostat takes things a step further by learning your schedule automatically. This can shave a few dollars off your monthly electric bill. The U.S. Department of Energy has also said that setting the thermostat back 7℉ to 10℉ for eight hours a day can yield annual energy savings.

2. Seal Your Home Against Air Leakage

Holes allowing air to leak from your home cause an HVAC system to work harder, and use more electricity. You can save by caulking cracks around windows, doors, pipes, electrical outlets, furnace flues, and chimneys. Spray foam can seal up larger openings. Also seal ducts, outside facing baseboards, and the edges of window air conditioning units you can’t remove.

3. Use a Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan reduces the demand on your air conditioning system and uses less energy. It’s often used in the summer, but did you know you can reverse it in winter? Reversing blade rotation pushes warm air down towards the floor. To take advantage of this, just move the switch located on the body of the fan. And turn the fan off when you leave the room to save even more energy.

4. Reduce Water Temperature

The thermostat on a water heater is typically set to 120℉. There’s no benefit to going higher, plus you risk getting burned. By reducing the water heater temperature by 10 degrees, you can cut your electric bill by as much as 5%.

5. Change Your Furnace Filter

Dirty filters reduce airflow, causing your furnace to work harder and burn more energy to provide heating. Know the manufacturer’s recommendations for when to change the filter and follow the manual’s steps to serving the filter in your model. Depending on the furnace, you might have to change the filter monthly.

6. Install/Upgrade Insulation

Keeping heated or cooled air inside your home can reduce electricity usage substantially. The attic door should be insulated to prevent rising heat from getting into the attic, where it can easily escape your home. Doors, windows, and floors lose much of a home’s heat as well, so should be properly insulated, and don’t forget to insulate walls.

7. Switch to LED Bulbs

LED lights use nearly 100% of the electricity they consume to produce light. They also provide higher quality light and last longer. It is also easy to install LED lighting systems in your home, so there are many benefits to using the latest technology.

8. Use Your Blinds and Curtains Wisely

Blinds and curtains should be open during the day to let in natural sunlight, which warms your home without any electricity. Closing them at night reduces the amount of heat lost. This works for anyone who has window treatments, which is practically everyone who lives indoors!

9. Don’t Overload the Fridge

All old and unnecessary items should be removed from the refrigerator, so it doesn’t need to use as much energy. Surely you have old containers somewhere in back. Keep a habit of cleaning the fridge regularly. Also clean the condenser coils from time to time as dirt can restrict airflow and strain the appliance.

10. Clean the Windows

Windows should be kept clean so as much sunlight can get through as possible. Your windows will look better and less energy will be needed for heating. Another affordable way to save energy is to install window film, a plastic wrap that has insulating properties. Applied to the inside glass, it can be removed in spring.

11. Use Smart Power Strips

The more you use electronics, the more electricity you will consume, even when those devices are off. A smart power strip prevents these systems from using energy when turned off. You can therefore see long term energy savings.

12. Remove Window ACs in the Fall

Taking your window air conditioner out can avoid drafts. It can also increase the amount of natural light entering your home. If you can’t remove a window unit, cover the unit and seal the edges to stop air leakage.

13. Cook in Larger Batches

The more you cook, the more energy your home will use. Cook your food in larger batches to save energy; you’ll also save time by not having to prepare individual servings separately each time. Investing in a slow cooker can cut energy use as well.

14. Dry Your Clothes on Racks

Air drying clothes on a rack rather than relying on a mechanical dryer can save a lot on bills. There are many ways to calculate dryer usage vs. electricity costs. These appliances are energy guzzlers.

Express Electrical Services Can Help You Save

If you want to know more about how to lower your electric bill, we can help. Our licensed electricians can assist with electrical remodeling to update your home and make it more efficient. Available across Los Angeles and Southern California, we’re open 24/7 to answer your questions and provide emergency electrical repair. Call 323-727-7799 to request service by our experienced electrical technicians.