If you’ve ever looked at your bills for the month and did a double-take, your electricity costs were likely the culprit of the unpleasant surprise. Electricity bills can take up a large portion of your monthly expenses if you aren’t careful. Fortunately, you can do a number of things to bring that amount down. Plus, you’ll be helping to preserve the planet while you’re at it. To learn how to save money on your electric bill, continue reading.
Insulate your home
Insulating your home is one of the best ways to save money on your electric bill—especially if you live in a particularly hot or cold environment. By insulating your home, you better prevent hot or cold air from escaping. As a result, your home’s temperature control system won’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable.
Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs
If you’re still using incandescent light bulbs, it’s time to make the switch to a more energy-efficient version. LED and CFL lightbulbs consume far less energy than incandescent light bulbs, helping save you a good chunk of money on your electric bill over time. As a bonus, CFL and LED light bulbs also last much longer, which means you’ll save even more money by having to purchase fewer replacement bulbs.
Wash your clothes in cold water
The majority of energy consumed while you’re washing your clothes is used to heat the water they’re washed in. By simply washing your clothes in cold water, you can conserve a large amount of energy and help decrease the number you see on your electric bill.
Purchase ENERGY STAR appliances
Purchasing ENERGY STAR appliances can include some steep upfront costs, but they can end up saving you a lot of money over time. If an appliance is ENERGY STAR-certified, it satisfies certain energy-efficiency guidelines. Switching to ENERGY STAR-approved appliances can save you up to 30 percent on your energy bills each year.