Energy bills are one of the biggest expenses most families have each month. If you are trying to save money, reducing your electric bill can be a huge help. To help you save more of your hard-earned money, here are some proven ways that can help you slash your bill each month:
Turn off your lights when you leave
I can’t tell you how many times I have left my house and the lights were still on – or the whole family left and all the lights in the kids’ room were on. Lights are a small portion of your bill, however, it can add up over time. Make it a habit to turn the lights off as you leave a room so that you can reduce your bill one kilowatt at a time.
Plus, don’t waste any more time: change out those old light bulbs for LED bulbs. They will save you money in the long run.
Unplug your electronics when done
For instance, if you use a blender to make a shake in the morning, consider unplugging it until you need to use it again. Experts call this energy usage type a “phantom load” or “vampire usage.” Each electronic device consumes a small amount of energy even if you don’t use the device. Unplugging electronics reduces the phantom load.
For example, one game console can draw 26 annual kilowatt-hours. This usage can increase your annual electric bill by $5, according to the Take Control and Save calculator. There is no reason to leave it plugged in if you are not going to use it until the next day.
Many utilities offer a home energy audit. Some audits have a small fee and a professional evaluates your home and provides recommendations. You can also perform a self-audit to look for places to reduce electricity usage.
Turn your computer off
If you use your computer at select times throughout the day, this is probably a good solution. If you use it for work throughout the day, then sleep mode is probably the most effective setting for you.
Shop around for a better price
In some markets, you have multiple electricity providers. If so, you can compare prices and choose the cheapest option. Utility providers may also offer discounts on paperless billing, peak and off-peak pricing plans, and levelized billing.
Levelized billing doesn’t necessarily reduce your current electric costs but can help you avoid surprisingly expensive bills. The utility averages your annual usage for the last 12 months and you pay the average amount for the next year.
