There are lots of ways you can lower your home energy cost but some of the processes can be quite expensive. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to reduce your monthly bills, check out this article!
1. Lower the Temperature on Your Water Heater
“This is the appliance that is responsible for distributing hot water to sinks and showers, along with laundry machines and dishwashers. A portion of the expense comes from the heater maintaining a store of warm water in a tank. There are tankless water heaters, however the majority within homes come with a tank. By lowering the temperature a few degrees, you can shave some money off your electric bill. The ideal temperature for heaters to be set at is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In the event you ever go on vacation or are spending an extended period of time away from your home, turning off the water heater while you’re gone is another way you can save money.” [i]
2. Keep Your Refrigerator and Freezer Full
“Everyone always tells you to keep the fridge closed. But did you know that keeping your fridge and freezer full can also save money? Food acts as insulation and lessens the amount of time that the fridge has to run to stay cool.” [ii]
3. Access Your Heating and Cooling Needs
“Are you using the AC and/or heater more than necessary? Review the programmable thermostat settings and ensure they reflect home occupancy. Adjusting just a few degrees in either direction often doesn’t impact whole-home comfort, and reduces energy spending by several percentage points. Use radiant heat in the winter and fans and open windows in the summer whenever possible as well.” [iii]
4. Wear Comfortable Clothing
“One of the most effective ways to keep yourself comfortable within your home throughout the year without spending a lot of money is to dress up or down based on the temperature. While in the comfort of your own home, don’t hesitate to bundle up a bit more in the winter or go for short sleeves and a pair of shorts in the summer and spring. As you make the adjustment to your attire, you can manage how you’re feeling without utilizing any electricity-draining appliances or devices to regulate the temperature. This will keep you feeling cozy while still preventing you from running up your electric bill unnecessarily.” [iv]
5. Hang Your Clothes on a Clothesline
“Set up a clothesline in your backyard, and let Mother Nature dry your laundry. If this isn't an option, consider hanging clothes on a drying rack or shower rod.” [v]
[i] Payless Power Editorial Team, Payless Power, accessed 21 March 2019, <https://paylesspower.com/blog/how-to-lower-your-electric-bill/#how-to-lower-your-electric-bill-5%3E%3Cspan%20style=>
[ii] Eric Huffstetler, The Spruce, accessed 21 March 2019, < https://www.thespruce.com/lower-your-electric-bill-1388743>
[iii] Andrew Sendy, Solar Estimate, accessed 21 March 2019, < https://www.solar-estimate.org/news/2018-07-09-10-ways-to-reduce-your-energy-bill-in-2018 >
[iv] Payless Power Editorial Team, Payless Power, accessed 21 March 2019, <https://paylesspower.com/blog/how-to-lower-your-electric-bill/#how-to-lower-your-electric-bill-5%3E%3Cspan%20style=>
[v] Eric Huffstetler, The Spruce, accessed 21 March 2019, < https://www.thespruce.com/lower-your-electric-bill-1388743>