If you are trying to save money, reducing your electricity bill can be a huge help.
For some people, their electricity payment can be almost as much as a house payment. If this is you, have no fear.
I have ten ways that you can save money on your electricity bill that will help you get on the right track with your finances.
1. Turn off your lights when you are not in the room
Make it a habit to turn the lights off as you leave a room so that you can reduce your bill one kilowatt at a time.
2. Unplug electronics when you are done with them
For instance, if you use a blender to make a shake in the morning, consider unplugging until you need to use it again. There is no reason to leave it plugged in if you are not going to use it until the next day.
3. Use appliances during the off peak times
Your major appliances can be a huge drain on your electric bill. Do your laundry and wash your dishes during the off peak hours so that you capitalize on the lower rates from the electricity companies.
4. Make sure that all of your doors are sealed
This year I noticed that there was some sun peaking through the edges of our front and back door. Then I realized that the air outside was also coming through those doors. I then went and put some foam tape around the door frame. That sealed it to keep the cool air from coming in. Now it takes less energy to heat our home in the winters and less A/C to cool the home during the summers.
5. Install a programmable thermostat
This is one of the best ways to save on your electricity because you can set it and forget it. Most programmable thermostats will let you set the temperature for the mornings, afternoons, and evenings so you don’t have to mess with it again.
6. Shop around for a better price
In some markets you have options when it comes to which electricity providers you use in your area. If that is the case, be sure to shop around so that you get the best deal.
7. Don’t leave the door open during the daytime
Have you ever heard the expression, “don’t heat the outside”? If so, then you are familiar with this concept. If you haven’t, it basically means that you are spending money to heat the outdoors which we all know is a waste of money.
8. Turn your computer off when you are done
If you use your computer at select times throughout the day, this is probably a good solution. If you use it for work throughout the day, then sleep mode is probably the most effective setting for you.
9. Buy a battery operated alarm clock
Not that an alarm clock takes a lot of electricity, but if you want to get extreme, then this could be a good option. You could even go one step further and just use your cell phone as an alarm. You have to charge it anyway, so why not use it as an alarm?
10. Wash your dishes by hand
Talking about extreme, how about letting your dishwasher rest and washing your dishes by hand. I know that seems like a foreign concept to many of us in the United States but it still a common practice in many countries.
Have you saved money on your electricity bill? If, so what did you do?
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1. LED lights cut my daily electric cost in half.
2. I line dry my clothes vs using an electric dryer.
We use a clothes line in the summer. Also, in the winter, we open the blinds during the day to let the sun in. In the summer, we close the blinds to keep the sun out. It really helps!
You mentioned using a washer and dryer during peak hours. What are the peak hours and why use them during peak hours? Thanks!
Off peak hours refers to the time frame where the least amount of electricity usage takes place, usually something like 9pm to 7am. The time frame is chosen by your electricity provider and you pay much less to use electricity during those times. I hope that helps!