Tired of your electricity bill being so expensive? The more you use electricity, the higher your bill will be. This can be prevented, however, if you take the necessary steps to conserve your electricity use. If you’re looking for ways to save money on your electricity, these tips will get you started on the right path and thinking about even more ways you can save on electricity!
1. Unplug your Appliances & Electronics
One of the best ways to save on electricity is to unplug all of your appliances and electronics! Instead of leaving your toaster plugged in on the counter, unplug it and put it in a cupboard. You should do this with as many appliances and electronics as possible, including your TV, computer, phone chargers and coffee machine. Unplugging these items will help you lower your electricity usage, effectively saving you money.
2. Use Power Strips
If it’s hard to reach some of those cords to unplug, consider using a power strip. Instead of plugging your TV, gaming console, and DVD player into the wall, plug them in to a power strip. This way, you can easily flip the power strip switch to off, cutting of the flow of electricity to these electronics.
3. Turn Off Lights
Try to keep your lights off as often as possible. If it’s a bright day outside, opening your shades rather than turn on the lights. If you do need to use the lights, make sure you turn them off as soon as you’re done. A good rule of thumb is to turn off each light as you leave the room. Once you get in the habit of doing this, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your electricity bill drops.
4. Air Dry Your Clothes
If you’re trying to save money on your electricity, get ready for some changes to your laundry routine. Instead of throwing your wet clothes in the dryer, you can hang them up outside or on a drying rack. This will lower your electricity usage on laundry day, allowing you to save some cash on your next electricity bill.
5. Use Power Off-Peak (e.g. running washing machine, dish washer, or dryer).
If your energy provider offers a discounted rate for off-peak hours save the “big jobs” to do during that time and see significant savings. This often means doing housework in the evening or on weekends which fits most people’s schedules anyway.
6. Buy energy efficient appliances and devices
When updating appliances like your washer or fridge be sure to go with an option that is energy efficient for not only great savings but to help the environment as well!
7. Switch to CFL or LED Lights
Energy efficient bulbs use less power and last longer, putting even more money back in your pocket.
8. Make your own electricity
Install Solar Panels on your roof to generate some of your own electricity. Obviously this involves a chunk of cash as an investment but you will find it soon pays for itself!
9. Seal Leaks (windows, air ducts)
Use weather stripping around windows that are leaking air, put towels on the flower against your doors to keep drafts coming through and inspect your air ducts for possible leaks and seal with duct tape. Eliminating drafts will help keep your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer and keep your heating/cooling system running more efficiently. You should also consider having high-performance windows installed.
10. Use a Programmable Thermostat
A Programmable thermostat can potentially help you lower utility bills and manage your heating and cooling system efficiently. There is no reason to cool or heat your home all day if you are at work. You can set it a little warmer or cooler than is comfortable while you are at work and turn it back to normal just before you get home so its comfortable. Do not turn your heat or air conditioning off completely or you will use more energy to bring your house back up to temperature than would have been used to keep it at a constant temperature during the day.
11. Air or Hand Dry your Dishes
Turn off the dish drying function of your dishwasher cycle and save big by air drying or just picking up a towel and hand drying them yourself.
These simple steps can help you save a ton of money on your electricity bill. What are your best energy-saving tips?
Judy Cowan says
All great tips, especially with the hydro rates in Ontario. I am always trying to find way to cut back on what we use.
mongupp says
Definitely turn off lights in rooms noone is in! That’s my constant refrain around here!
kathy downey says
Some of these tips we have not been doing so helpful thanks
KD says
I do many of these already…lots of great tips!
Elva Roberts says
I really like your tips. I use the newer light bulbs and I know they are much cheaper to use. In the summer, spring and fall, I hang out my clothes to dry. With 3 or 4 feet of snow in our back yard, I cannot reach my clothesline in the winter. Thank you for all your tips.. There are some that I may continue to work into our routine.
Stephanie LaPlante says
Thanks for the tips! We try our best to save on all this.
Laurie P says
The programmable thermostat made a noticeable difference. Worth every penny!
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
It’s not only a question of keeping the electricity bill down, it’s also better for all of us. If we are all conscientious about how much electricity we use then there will be less of a negative effect on the whole. I do my utmost to use as little electricity as possible.
Victoria Ess says
These are great tips! We try our best to do most of them!
Elva Roberts says
Here I am again with another comment. I have been trying to save on our electricity as our Power Company keeps raising the cost, a little at a time, but it all adds up. I am happy that it is summer as we can save some on lights and also on drying clothes outside in the sunshine.
Tessa @ HVAC repair company says
Great ideas! I like all in the list. Onwards more conscious in buying energy efficient appliances for home. Thanks for sharing
Barbara Mcgarity says
Great list. I especially love the idea if using blackout curtains, not only has it saved me a good amount of money, but I’m also sleeping so much better.