How can I save money on my electric bill?
During these tough economic times, many of us are looking for the best ways to save money and reducing your energy usage is a great way and is good for the environment too! Reducing the amount you spend on electricity is easier than most people think. The following are a series of tips that can help save you money:
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs or CFLs. The bulbs initially cost more than regular bulbs but they use less than a third the amount of power and they can last more than 10 times the period.
• Invest in a hot water heater jacket in order to insulate your water heater tank. They only cost between $10 and $20 and will pay for itself quickly.
• Try to wash your clothes in cold water.
• Do your dishes and laundry efficiently with full loads. Do not run half loads in either the washing machine or the dishwasher unless absolutely necessary. Also, learn to dry your clothes on a clothesline. Not only does this save large amounts of electricity but it also leaves the clothes crisper and less wrinkled than would otherwise occur in the dryer.
• Do not overuse your air conditioner. Keep in mind that 50% of all household energy consists of cooling, heating, and cooking. Maybe use a thermostat which you can program in order to cool the air of your home for a couple of hours before you get home and program it also to go off when you go to bed at night.
• Use attic and ceiling fans. They are excellent for circulating air and can make your house feel cooler by several degrees.
• Replace older appliances with those that are more energy efficient. This is especially important in appliances such as stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators which consume a lot of electricity. The refrigerator alone accounts for about 20% of electricity consumed in the household. It may seem like an expensive venture to replace these appliances but it will certainly be worth it and make up for the price within several years. Ensure that the doors of the refrigerator and freezer are sealed properly and set them to the warmest settings that are reasonable.
• Unplug all electronics and appliances when you are gone. They actually drain power even if they are not being used. However, this will most likely only save you a dollar, maybe two on your next bill as this does not save as much electricity as many presume.
• Use low-flow toilets, faucets, and shower heads. These facets of your home will reduce the amount of hot water that is required and are not all that expensive to purchase. Low flow shower heads cost approximately $20.
Do you have any other tips for cutting your electric bill? Share them in the comments below!
Article by Bob – founder of ChristianPF.com – a personal finance blog from a Christian perspective.
I would recommend living in a smaller space. There is no need to live in a huge house if you don’t need it. This will save a lot of energy by itself.
retireby40 – agreed, if you can cut down on your living space that is a simple way to minimize a lot of expenses! If you really want to take it to the extreme you should check out these determined folks who live in 100 sq feet!
Yes, live outside in a tent. That will save tons of money. Have everyone in the USA live in tents.
I recently applied the 3M indoor Window insulation kits to my kids’ rooms’ windows with curtains over the film. The cost for 5 windows on amazon was $18. During our last cold front, their rooms were 4 F warmer than my bedroom with did not have the window films. I’ve since then bought 2 more kits to do the rest of the windows in the house…and yes I will admit that the aesthetic look is not as great on the windows that do not have curtains but I’ve been able to set the thermostat 2 degrees lower and still be comfortable. The window films have definitely paid for themselves already.