Energy costs have gone up significantly in recent years – and we see it each month in our electric bill. However, there are several ways you can save money and lower the cost of energy in your home.
Here’s a few tips on how to save energy and reduce your bill:
- Unplug items you’re not using. Everyone does it – we leave coffeemakers, charging cables, televisions, computers, and other appliances plugged in while not in use. Unplugging these or using a power strip that can be turned off will help you save electricity and money.
- Turn down your thermostat. Your house doesn’t need to be kept comfortable when nobody is home. Get in the habit of turning down your heat or air conditioning when you leave the house to lower the cost of your electric bill.
- Wash your clothes in cold water. Most detergents today can provide you with a fresh and clean wardrobe without having to use hot water. Using the cold setting and waiting until you have a full load to throw in will save you in the long run.
- Use your dishwasher. If you have a dishwasher in your home and use an electric water heater, you can save by using it instead of doing your dishes by hand. Most dishwashers only use a few gallons of hot water per cycle, while the amount of electricity needed to produce the hot water used when handwashing dishes can quickly tack onto the expense of your energy bill.
- Check the filters on your A/C and furnace. Filters are meant to keep dirt and debris out of your home’s air. When the filters are full or clogged, your heating and air systems have to work even harder to get the job done. A clean filter can help your systems run more efficiently.
Saving money on your electric bill doesn’t always mean you have to spend thousands on new and efficient appliances. Setting new habits for how you use and treat items in your home can help you save hundreds on energy costs.
Source: “Reducing Electricity Use and Costs.” Energy.Gov, www.energy.gov/energysaver/reducing-electricity-use-and-costs. Accessed 22 Feb. 2024.
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