How to Save Money on Your Electric Bill

If you're tired of seeing a high electric bill every month, it's time to make some changes. Between running the AC, keeping the lights on, and charging every device under the sun, the costs can add up quickly. The average American household spends about $117 a month on electricity, totaling roughly $1,400 a year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

However, there are simple steps you can take to lower your consumption and reduce your electricity bill, from tweaking daily habits to upgrading appliances. Let's look into some effective strategies to help you cut costs.

Switch to energy-saving lighting

Lighting might not seem like a huge expense, but it can quietly nibble away at your budget. Here's how to light up your home minus the big bills:

• Swap to LED bulbs. They use at least 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last way longer, saving you $50 to $100 per bulb over time. Grab them for less with Best Buy coupons and Philips promo codes on GrabOn.
• Add dimmers. Lowering the brightness cuts usage. Plus, they're perfect for cozy nights in or just winding down.

• Use natural light. Open curtains during the day to reduce consumption.

Unplug idle electronics

Your electronics could be silently increasing your energy bill, even when switched off. Standby power accounts for 5 to 10% of residential energy use, potentially costing the average U.S. household up to $100 per year.

• Unplug chargers and appliances. The big culprits include TVs, gaming consoles, coffee makers, and microwaves.
• Use a power strip. Connect multiple devices and turn them off with one switch to eliminate standby waste. You can also save on smart power strips with Belkin coupons to make cutting standby power even easier.

Optimize your heating and cooling

Heating and cooling can eat up nearly half your energy bill about 51% for the average U.S. home. If you’re specifically looking to save money on air conditioning, start by using ceiling fans more often, adjusting your thermostat, and keeping filters clean. Here are some easy ways to keep your home comfy while keeping costs low:

• Adjust the thermostat. Raising it 7 to 10F in summer or lowering it in winter when you're out can save 10% yearly – around $140 based on average costs.
• Use fans. Ceiling fans use 90% less energy than AC, and help circulate air effectively.
• Maintain your system. Clean your AC filters regularly – a clogged filter can bump power usage by 5 to 15%.

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Make your appliances more energy efficient

Keep your fridge, washer, and dryer working efficiently without adding to your electricity bill. Here's what you can do:

• Set your fridge to the right temperature. Keep it between 37 and 40F – anything colder wastes energy. Fridges account for about 7% of household electricity use.
• Wash clothes in cold water. Cold water uses 90% less energy than hot water per load, and most clothes clean just fine.
• Upgrade to Energy Star: These models use 20 to 30% less energy and can save the average household $450 annually on utility bills. It’s a smart way to save on utilities in the long term without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Seal up your home

Drafts and poor insulation can make your HVAC work harder, driving up your energy bill. Sealing gaps properly can cut your electricity bill by up to 25%.

• Weatherstrip doors and windows. It's cheap and can cut energy loss by 10 to 20%, saving 20% to $40 monthly in extreme weather.
• Insulate walls and attics. Homes lose 30% of their heat through uninsulated spots – this could save you $200 per year.
• Seal outlets and switches: Adding foam gaskets behind outlet covers stops small drafts that add up over time – every bit helps.

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Cut water heating costs

Water heating takes up about 18% of your electric bill – second only to HVAC. A few tweaks can help you keep costs in check.

• Lower the temp. Set your water heater to 120F – each 10-degree drop cuts energy use by 4 to 5%, saving $25 to $50 a year.
• Insulate the tank. A $20 insulation blanket reduces standby heat loss by 25 to 45%.
• Fix leaks fast. A dripping hot faucet can waste up to 300 kWh annually, costing about $48 a year.

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Use timers and smart tech

Enjoy a more efficient home. Smart tech turns off lights and appliances when you don't need them, saving you both time and money.

• Set timers on lights and fans. They turn off automatically, cutting unnecessary use – especially handy if you're forgetful.
• Try smart plugs. Control devices remotely through your phone. With smart plugs, you can monitor your energy use in real-time on your phone and see which devices use electricity even when idle.
• Shift to off-peak hours. Run dishwashers or laundry when rates dip if your utility offers time-based pricing.

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Benefit from utility perks

Your electric utilities provider probably offers incentives to lower your bill that you haven't tapped into yet. Check these out:

• Request an energy audit. Many utilities offer free or low-cost checkups to identify energy waste. An audit can reveal gaps in insulation, inefficient appliances, and other issues.
• Claim rebates on upgrades. You could get discounts on energy-efficient upgrades like smart thermostats, insulation, and LED bulbs.
• Explore solar incentives. From small solar chargers to full home panels, many states offer tax credits and rebates for solar installations. Depending on your area, these perks can clash upfront costs by 20 to 40%.

More ways to save on your electric bill

Sometimes, it’s the little things that add up. These daily habits can save you money on bills without major lifestyle changes, just smarter energy use.

• Turn off lights when leaving a room. It's basic but effective – every watt counts.
• Run full loads. Dishwashers and washing machines work best when packed, saving energy per use.
• Use sunlight and breezes. Open windows or blinds instead of cranking fans or lights.
• Clean refrigerator coils. Dirty coils make your fridge work harder, increasing energy consumption by 15%. Cleaning them every 6 months helps maintain efficiency.
• Install motion sensors for lights. These sensors automatically turn lights off when no one's in the room, preventing wasted electricity and reducing lighting costs by 30%.

FAQs

How do you save electricity at home?
Use smart habits like turning off unnecessary lights, running full loads in dishwashers and washers, and keeping the thermostat optimized. Upgrade to smart power strips and automate devices to prevent energy waste.

How can I reduce my electricity bill quickly?
For quick savings, adjust your thermostat by 7-10F when you’re not home, wash clothes in cold water, and avoid using the dryer. Unplug electronics that consume standby power and run appliances during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-based rates.

What appliances drain the most energy?
HVAC systems, water heaters, and refrigerators consume the most energy. Older models of these appliances tend to be less efficient, so upgrading to Energy Star versions can drastically cut usage.

How do I know if my home is energy efficient?
Check for drafts, inspect insulation, and schedule an energy audit. Smart thermostats and smart plugs can also track your consumption and point out where energy is being wasted.