No matter the season, there are always easy ways to lower your electric bill and save money, whether it is hot outside or cold outside. Very often these subtle changes cost very little or you can upgrade with new technology and save even more! Below are 10 easy ways to lower your energy costs. Not only are you saving some green, you may just be helping the environment as well.
1. Seal the Leaks
Don’t let the cold air in and hot air out if it’s wintertime or vice versa if you are in the summer. One of the easiest fixes is adding weather stripping around the doors. Most weather stripping is self-adhesive so all you need to do is apply and cut. There are quite a few varieties to choose from but pricing is very reasonable.
Seal More Leaks To Save Money on Your Electric Bill
Older windows are known to be energy hogs. Window insulator kits are a simple way to cold drafts out and warm air inside. Kits typically include clear plastic and double sided tape to help save energy and reduce costs. Various sizes are available and prices are typically under $20. More ways to lower you electric bill…It’s always a good idea to check the caulking on the outside of the windows. Window caulk has a tendency to deteriorate over the years and is another easy and inexpensive fix.
2. Add a Motion Sensor Light Switch
Tired of walking around the house turning out the lights that someone “forgot” to turn off? This little change can help save tons of energy for those tired of being the light police. Add a motion sensor light switch and these devices will automatically turn on when you walk in a room and turns off once someone leaves the room. Some of the newer models also sense when it’s daylight and there is enough natural light already in the room! Just more ways to lower you electric bill.
3. Switch To LED Lighting
This one truly is a no brainer. LED lighting uses 75% less energy than the incandescent lights we’ve used in the past. On top of that the LED lights can last for years. The cost may be a little more than the old style but these energy savers can last up to 25 times longer!
4. Use The Ceiling Fan
You probably already have one in at least one room, so use it! If you don’t currently have a ceiling fan you may want to install one. These gremlin throwers will help help keep the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Just remember the 10 and 10 rule: they can keep a room 10 degrees cooler while using only 10% of the energy used by your A/C Unit. Ceiling fans can be another simple way to save money on electric.
5. Wrap It Up To Save More Money On Your Electric Bill
There are certain items in your home that you can add an extra layer of insulation you may not have thought about. Your hot water heater is one. If your hot water heater is in a cool part of your home, you can purchase a water heater blanket that will add an extra layer of insulation keeping the hot water hot. These hot water tanks heater jacket stops up to 97% of Radiant Heat loss.
Sure, you’ve heard of duct tape but how about duct insulation wrap? This insulation will help keep the cold air cold and warm air warm while it goes to you room. True, accessibility may be an issue unless you have an open ceiling in the basement but it may be worth investigating. Also, if you’re doing any remodeling this would be a great time to wrap them ducts!
More ways to lower your electric bill… don’t forget to wrap the hot water pipes too! If you’re hot water travels the length of your home it probably isn’t as hot as it could be. These water pipe insulation tubes are easy to install and could save you some coin.
6. Turn Off the Heat Dry Option On The Dishwasher
Air drying the dishes in the dishwasher can save you some dollars on your energy bill. This little trick can reduce the energy used by your dishwasher by a whopping 50%. Some dishwashers are equipped with an air dry setting that feel free to use that option. Even more ways to lower your electric bill would be to crack the door to the dishwasher after the drying cycle is done. This can help the air drying a little faster by allowing the hot, moist air escape.
7. Install A Programable Thermostat
There are wide variety of programable thermostats on the market so be sure you pick one that you’re comfortable using. These little gadgets can save 10%-20% on your energy bill. Depending on the type you purchase, programable thermostats may be setup by programming it on the wall. Or you can kick it up a notch by trying a smart thermostat that you can program using your phone, tablet or any other device by going through the Wi-Fi in your home. So that means you can turn up the heat while you’re on the home from the office by using the app on your phone. Oh the world we live in!
8. Replace The Filter Already
You’ve probably heard it time and time again but you need to replace your furnace filter consistently. Replacing the furnace filter will not only save you energy by not making your furnace work harder, but it will also keep the air in your home much cleaner. Want to save some cash? Replacing this filter could lower you energy use by 15%! It is recommended to check the filter monthly and replace if dirty or replace every three months.
9. Wash Your Clothes In Cold Water
Washing clothes in cold water can save a lot in energy costs. The less your hot water heater is heating water the more money you save! An old farmer’s wife tale says vinegar can kill germs by adding just 1 cup to a load of laundry. Not only does it kill germs, it also softens fabrics and helps with static cling. On top of that, there are now special detergents formulated for cold water.
10. Get A Grip And Use A Strip And Save Money On Electric
In this age of chargers for everything but the kitchen sink, plug them into a power strip. The power strip can help save energy on all those electronics that are on 24/7. Simply shut off the strip when not in use and all those energy suckers are now just plugged in and using zero energy. More ways to lower your electric bill…there are even smart strips that include remote control, energy monitoring and scheduling by using an app.
Thank you for checking out our Easy Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill article. For even more ways to save money, check out The Frugal Live You Live article. Be sure to leave us a comment and leave your email so you can get updates to our blogs.