How to Reduce Energy Costs and Lower Your Electricity Bill

Reducing Energy Costs in Your Home

By: Jon Boyd Barrett

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Electricity bills can be very expensive. In the summer we need to use the air conditioning, and In the winter we need heating. On top of that, all year round we require the use of the lights, tv, computer, and many other appliances. However, by learning to change our regular habits and by making some simple adjustments, we can reduce our energy consumption, and therefore save lots of money on future electricity bills.

Turn Off Unused Lights

This is one of the most basic ways to reduce energy usage and lower the power bill. When you’re leaving a room, turn off the lights and ceiling fans. Only have the lights turned on when they are actually needed.
If you have an outdoor light, then consider using a motion detector so that the light does not need to be left on all the time.

Turn Off Unused Appliances

There is no need to have your TV and computer on when they’re not being used. Having a computer running 24/7 can easily add $200 to your power bill every year.
Appliances use electricity when idle, so unplug them. Even small items like phone chargers, coffee machine, toasters, etc. that are not in use. You’re wasting energy just by using the plug sockets.

Energy Saving Light bulbs

If you have not done so already, it is time to replace your conventional light bulbs for the florescent energy saving bulbs. They may cost slightly more, but they last a lot longer and use a lot less energy. Over the course of a year, you should see a reduction on your electrical bill.

Energy Saving Appliances

When buying new appliances, look for the energy star sticker. Energy Star, is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. There are refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, and soon even TVs , all with this energy star approval that can help you cut your electricity costs.

Wash the Dishes If you have a dishwasher and are running it every day, you’re adding about $4 a month to your electricity bill. That’s almost $50 a year! which does not take into account the water costs.
By manually washing your dishes, you can eliminate this dishwasher costs. If you’re not ready to take that step, then try reducing the amount of dishwashing cycles by only running it when it is full. Some dishwashers allow you to turn off the drying function, meaning you can have the dishes air dry and save some of the energy used.

The Thermostat

If you have ceiling fans, use them instead of the AC as they require a lot less energy.
Turn down the thermostat to 68 degrees during the winter, and wear a sweater in the house.
Another way to reduce energy costs is to program your thermostat or AC so that it comes on and off in bursts, rather than having it constantly running.

Natural Heat Control

Cutting electricity costs sometimes involves getting creative. Use heavy curtains in the doors and windows to block the hot rays of the sun. The room will remain cooler and one can stay without the air cooler or conditioner.
For the winter months, make sure you insulate the windows, the attic, and the cracks on the doors in order to contain the heat. Again, those heavy curtains will come in use by keeping the heat inside.

Air Dry

When it comes to drying your clothes, save on your electricity bill by hanging them to dry in the garden, or inside on a clothes rack. This will prevent you from having to use the energy-hungry clothes drier.

Solar Panels

Unfortunately, solar panels are still not all that common and can be expensive to install. However, if you own your house and plan to be there for a number of years, solar panels can be seen as an investment. In the long run you will make substantial savings.

Cooking Tips

Keep the saucepans covered while cooking in order to trap the heat.
When using the oven, turn it off a few minutes before the food has finished cooking and use the stored heat in the oven for the remaining time.

Final Tips

The most simple way to avoid using as much electricity is simply by not using it. Not only will you lower your power bill, you may also see an improvement in your lifestyle.
Some final tips are:

Watch less tv and reduce usage of the computer.
Exercise more, enjoy the outdoors or take up a new hobby.
If you have kids, encourage them to play board games and be creative.

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