Is it possible to save money on your electric bill in an easy way? The answer to this question is simple – YES. The best part about it is that you can use more than one easy way to cut the cost of electricity that you are spending in your home on a monthly basis.
There is a wide range of things that contribute to the size of your electric bill. Some of these things can’t be avoided, but in many cases, you can make small changes that can help you lower your bill. Instead of spending hours thinking about different techniques and methods you can use, it’s much smarter to check our list of genius tips and tricks. This guide that we about to share will help readers:
- Find out how to start saving money on electricity right away
- Learn more about long-term techniques that can help them cut electric bills
- Understand what makes electric bills higher
It doesn’t really matter where you are living because these tips and tricks can be applied almost everywhere. So, are you ready to learn how to save money on your electric bill?
1. Don’t be lazy – unplug!
There’s a great chance that you have heard this advice before, but we are going to share it with you anyway because it’s very important. Electrical equipment is everywhere around us. TVs, computers, laptops, smartphones – the list of pieces of electrical equipment is endless. If you want to save money, you should unplug this electrical equipment when you are not using it.
The next time your smartphone signalizes that the battery is fully charged, you better unplug the phone from the charger and remove the charger from the power socket. The same goes for situations where you are planning on going on vacation. Unplug all your electrical devices. This will not only help you save money, but it will also prevent fires and damages.
- There are dozens of electrical items in our homes and we don’t use them at once
- Remove smartphone chargers when your smartphone is charged
- Unplug electrical equipment when you are going on a holiday
2. Use cold water to launder clothes
Now here’s a fun fact – over 90% of power created by laundry machines is used for heating the water that is used to wash the clothes. In case you want to save money and cut your electric bill, it’s better to launder your clothes in cold water when possible. This will reduce energy usage right away. You can expect great savings in the long run.
While we are talking about laundry machines and saving money on electricity, it’s also a good idea to study all the programs available in your machine. These programs are created for a reason and it’s better to use the most suitable programs for your clothes. Many of these machines have so-called Eco programs, so you might consider them when you have a chance.
- Check the available programs on your laundry machine
- Try to launder clothes with cold water when possible
- This is a good option for long-term savings
3. Use the power of the sun
This specific tip about how to save money and reduce your electric bill can be used in the winter period when the days are colder. Instead of using your heating system to the maximum, you should open the curtains and let the sun go in. Thanks to the sunrays and your windows, you will feel a lot warmer without using extra power.
We should point out that this option is good because the sun can improve your mood too. This is a win-win situation that you should take advantage of.
- Open the curtains and let the sun rays in your home
- In this way, you don’t have to use the heating system to the maximum
- The sun improves your mood
4. Replace the old bulbs
There are still many households around the world that are using old, conventional light bulbs. The reason is simple – they are not aware that modern light bulbs are spending less energy. In addition, they are using their old bulbs because they are still working. But, even if the old bulbs are working fine, replacing them with energy-efficient light bulbs is a good move. The initial cost is higher, but these bulbs will pay off in the long run.
According to some statistics, they can cur electricity consumption by 75%. There are some local authorities that are providing incentives to residents who want to move to energy-efficient bulbs. In addition, it’s worth mentioning that these new bulbs usually last for a much longer period of time.
- Use incentives (if there are any) and switch to energy-efficient bulbs
- They can cut your electric bill because they spend way less electricity
- Energy-efficient bulbs last longer
5. Select an energy-efficient appliance
Is it time to buy a new refrigerator? Or maybe you are thinking about purchasing a new dishwasher? It doesn’t matter what kind of appliance you need in your home, it’s a good idea to check its energy efficiency rating. This is one of the best ways to save money. With an A-rated home appliance, you will be able to reduce your electric bill right away.
Don’t forget that some of these appliances come with A+, A++ or even A+++ ratings. Check the details and opt for the one that suits your needs the best. Even if your old appliances are working, it’s still smart to update your machines because the new ones can save you a lot of money.
- Opt for A-rated appliances
- Update your existing appliances to save money
- This is an investment that will pay off fast
6. Go solar
Solar energy has been around for a while, but people today are less skeptical about it than before. Three decades ago, this form of energy was still considered to be an experimental form of energy. The solar panels were unable to create a lot of energy and they were quite expensive. The situation today is different which means that installing solar panels at your home is the right way to cut your electric bill.
Solar energy is basically a free form of energy and with the right usage, you will be able to save a lot of money. Since most countries are trying to go green, it won’t be difficult to find incentives that will make this initial investment easier on your pocket. Remember that you might have to change the panels from time to time, but it’s still worth considering this type of energy as a way to save money. In addition, you should not forget that you are protecting the planet by using solar energy.
- Solar panels today are much cheaper than before
- You can save hundreds of Euros per year in this way
- Solar energy use is eco-friendly
7. Optimize the work of your air conditioner
If you live in a place where you have to use an air conditioner most of the summer days, then you should do everything you can to optimize the work of this useful device. For instance, you should clean the coils located outside. In this way, you will boost efficiency and cut power consumption which will eventually reduce your electric bill. Additionally, you will improve the life expectancy of the unit.
It’s also good to remove external obstructions like leaves, grass, flowers, and plants from the outside unit. While we are talking about the outside unit, experts advise placing these units in a shaded area for optimal use.
- Spend some time working on optimization
- Check and clean the coils
- Make sure that the outside unit is optimized
8. Fight drafts
Another great tip that can save money to many homeowners is to check your house for drafts. There’s no doubt that outside air has an impact on the controlled environment that you are trying to make in your home.
Start by checking the doors and windows. Are there any holes or cracks there? Is there a draft present? You should also pay special attention to electrical outlets located on the external walls and the ceiling fixtures. If you have an attic, go there and check the insulation as well as the roof. With the help of proper insulation, attic tents, outlet gaskets, door brush bottoms, rubber or sweeps, you will prevent unnecessary energy consumption and save money.
- Fight drafts with the help of small things like outlet gaskets and door sweeps
- You should check all the windows and doors for a draft
- It’s also a good idea to inspect the roof
9. Try to use electric appliances only when you really need them
Just one hundred years ago, people didn’t have access to many electric appliances and their lives were not that difficult. While it’s true that avoiding modern electric appliances will probably lead to more time-consuming activities, it will also help homeowners save money on their electric bill.
There are many tips that can help you cut the use of electric appliances. For instance, you should avoid using your laundry machine when it is half loaded. When the weather is good, you can dry the clothes on a clothesline opposed to using a dryer. Instead of watching TV for hours, read a book. If you think that you can’t fall asleep without the TV, turn the radio on – it uses way less energy.
- You don’t have to rely on electric appliances all the time
- Turn the laundry machine on only when it’s completely loaded
- Replace the TV with a radio or read a book from time to time
10. Check the thermostat
Water heating contributes to the electric bill too. When you want to cut the electric bill and save some money, you should analyze this issue. The simplest thing that you can do to optimize this process is to check the thermostat and lower the temperature. Obviously, we are talking about the thermostat the manages the water heater. Just 5 degrees lower and you can save up to 5%.
The vast majority of manufacturers are setting their water heater thermostats to high by default. Obviously, you don’t have to follow these settings. In addition, thanks to modern technology you can control thermostats much easier now. There are so-called smart thermostats that come equipped with Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth technology which allows users to control water heater thermostats via smartphones and tablets. With just a few clicks, you can set the right temperature and change it whenever you want even when you are not at home.
- Most thermostats are set to high temperatures by default
- The energy savings can be up to 5%
- Try smart thermostats for even better control
11. Defrost the refrigerator on a regular basis
When it comes to home appliances that are using a lot of energy, the refrigerator is definitely one of these appliances. After all, this device is working 24/7. But, this doesn’t mean that you should leave this appliance working without regular checkups. A refrigerator that is iced up needs extra power to work properly. This means that it needs more electricity.
In order to avoid a situation like this, you should defrost your refrigerator regularly. This will definitely reduce the electric bill. In case you are prepared for an investment, our advice is to look for an energy-efficient refrigerator which comes with an auto-defrost feature. While we are talking about refrigerators, it’s also beneficial to keep the door of the refrigerator closed as much as possible. Don’t leave the door open for a long time.
- Defrost your refrigerator regularly
- Iced up fridges need more electricity
- Consider buying a new refrigerator with an auto-defrost feature
12. Rely on your microwave
There were many debates about the potential hazards of using microwaves, but according to many studies, these devices are perfectly safe when they are used in the right way. What’s even more important is that they can save money and help you reduce your electric bill too.
There are many situations in which people use their ovens without considering the use of microwaves. There is no need to start an oven when you want to heat the meal. A microwave will do the same, but it will use less electricity. On top of that, it’s faster to get the job done with the help of a microwave. Some statistics say that microwaves are up to 4 times faster compared to ovens. This might not save you a lot of money, but it pays off in the long run.
- A microwave is four times faster than an oven
- You can save a decent amount of money if you use microwaves instead of ovens
- Microwaves are safe
13. Use window coverings
Even if your windows are perfectly sealed, it’s the sun rays that affect the temperature in your rooms. Obviously, this could be a good thing in the cold winter days, but what about the summer period?
Instead of using fans or air conditioning, you can purchase and install adequate window coverings. Curtains, window blinds, shades – these are some of the options you have when you want to regulate natural light in a better way. According to some statistics, you can save up to 50 euros in this way during the summer period.
- Natural light affects the temperature in our homes
- Use shades, curtains or window blinds to fight off the heat
- You can save a decent amount of money every summer in this way
14. Use a laptop
Most people think that all computers are the same and that they are not using a lot of electricity for their operations. But, the truth is that computers are different and when they are used all day long, they will have an impact on the electric bill.
The smartest option here is to replace your desktop computer with a laptop. Due to their specific build, laptops require less energy compared to desktop computers. In addition, these devices are portable and you can use them anywhere you want. In other words, you might have a chance to charge them out of your home too. To be honest, saving money in this way, won’t make you rich, but it will definitely help you save money after a few months.
- This is a good tip for those who are using computers on a regular basis
- Laptop computers require less energy
- It may take some time to notice a difference
15. Speed up ironing
You can’t expect to look good in your clothes if they are not ironed properly. That’s a well-known fact, but did you know that some irons use up to 2000 watts? In case you are ironing clothes every day, this means that a few percentages of your electric bill go to this activity.
In case there is no other option than ironing, you should avoid leaving your iron on for a long period of time while it’s warming up. Also, it’s much better to iron all the clothes at once instead of ironing small batches every day.
- Make a plan and iron your clothes at once
- Check energy consumption rating before buying an iron
- Don’t leave the iron turned on for a long time
