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If you are like the rest of us humans, you are looking to save on your electric bill. It’s a topic many can relate to and is one of those things that come up in conversations more than you’d initially think. Anytime it is cold for a long period of time, you’ll hear statements about heating and electricity.
Lucky for you, there are many ways you can save on your electric bill without drastic changes to your life.
1. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
If you are already working on ways to save money, you have probably tried turning the thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter. Lucas and I did this in our old apartment since we didn’t have the authority to install a thermostat. I would try to remember to turn it up or down about 8 degrees Fahrenheit when we left for work.
This does work, but if you own your home or can change your thermostat, there’s something better…
Programmable Thermostats help you save by automatically changing temperatures at nighttime or when you leave the house. You can set it and forget it.
They allow you to set certain schedules based on your weekly schedule and, if you have a vacation, they can moderate your temperatures.
The best thing about programmable thermostats is that they come in multiple styles with multiple options ranging in prices. For example, this Honeywell Thermostat allows you to set two schedules, one for weekdays and one for the weekend. Plus, it comes at a VERY affordable price. You will be saving on this investment in no time.
When Lucas and I replaced our heating and cooling system (split gas furnace and air conditioning), we spent a lot of time researching thermostats. I was partial to the ecobee since it pairs well with Amazon and Lucas wanted a Nest since it pairs well with Google.
Our Recommendation:
We ended up going with the Nest E Thermostat and… I love it! We also looked at the highly rated Nest Learning Thermostat.
I purchased a bundle with a sensor for our bedroom at night. I love being able to set the temperature for that specific room.
We love scheduling the temperatures and getting our green leaf of savings (optimum temperatures). Nest even sends us emails updating us on how we are doing and what changes occurred over the past month. Super cool!
2. Unplug Unused Appliances, Lamps, etc.
I have a bad habit of keeping my hair dryer plugged in. Did you know a small amount of electricity still runs through it even though it is turned off? This means your microwave and other appliances could be using a lot of “phantom energy” and costing you money.
My rule of thumb is: If I don’t use it everyday, then there is no need for it to stay plugged it. This means unplugging the microwave after use, unplugging my dresser (it has a power strip), and yes, putting my hair dryer away.
Do your own assessment and figure out which appliances, lamps, etc. unnecessarily suck your savings. It’s an easy way to save on your bill!
3. Invest in LED Bulbs and Turn Off Unused Lights
The Department of Energy has a wonderful page describing the benefits of LED bulbs, including using 75% less energy than incandescent and lasting 25 TIMES LONGER!
Just those two things should convince you to change. Purchase your LED bulbs in bulk to get the cheapest price. Your return on investment will occur quickly since they use significantly less energy.
Amazon has many LED bulb options to choose from or check the clearance aisle at your local hardware store to see if you can catch a deal. Also, ask your electricity provider if they have any programs for free bulbs. Ours did!
Smart bulbs are also an option if you like to change the color and brightness of your bulbs.
You wouldn’t think leaving lights on would consume much energy, but remember small things can really add up. The Department of Energy has an article pertaining to when you should turn off your lights.
Now that you have LEDs and the lifespan is unaffected by switching on and off, you should ALWAYS turn a light off when it is not being used.
4. Decrease Dryer Usage
Save on your electric bill by drying your clothes on a line when possible and decreasing your dryer usage time. I had no idea how much washing and drying clothes could cost! After looking it up, I thought, “I should just go to the laundry mat!”.
Heating water for your washer and using the dryer are two of the most energy using activities in your home (see other appliances in #6). Make sure you have FULL LOADS and maximize your money spent during this time.
Some claim dryer balls decrease drying time.There are varying opinions but they are definitely worth a try. There are many options on Amazon, including these affordable organic ones.
5. Seal up Any Leaks
Our electric company has a program where a professional assesses your home on energy efficiency. One of our biggest culprits of energy use was leaks through cracks and holes leading to the exterior! If you have an older home, most of us have that issue!
So we purchased spray foam insulation, caulk, and weather stripping and went to work on our house! It was very messy so make sure to buy plenty of towels and gloves.
Our biggest culprits are our exterior doors. They are straight up original to our house and have the biggest gaps. For now, we have weather stripping and a floor barrier like this one (which I had to screw in). But hopefully pretty soon, we will have energy efficient insulated fiberglass doors!
Energy Star appliances.
6. Purchase and Maintain Energy Efficient Appliances
Yes, you knew it was coming. The most energy sucking things in our homes are the big appliances. I am not saying to go out and buy brand new appliances (although that 1907 Kenmore double oven probably needs replaced… ahhem Lucas) but you do need to be aware of energy efficiency when replacing appliances.
Your heating and cooling system, water heater, and refrigerator consume most of the energy in your home.
The U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy run the Energy Star Program. They have an entire Product List of recommendations and plenty of other money saving tips.
So the next time you are in the market for a new (or used) appliance, save money in the long run by buying efficient
Do you have an awesome tip for saving on your electric bill? Head to the comments to share!