Save On Your Monthly Electric Bill

Save On Your Monthly Electric

4 Ideas to Save On Your Monthly Electric Bill

With electricity costs rising, your bill can increase quickly. It can be frustrating if your financial situation is already tight. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to save energy and reduce overall costs. Here are four ideas to save on your monthly electric bill.

1. Reconsider How You Do Laundry

There are several energy-efficient changes you can make to your laundry routine. Consider reducing the number of loads you run each week. Rather than doing several small loads, consider doing one or two large loads. Reducing your heat settings can also help lower the cost.  And don’t forget to clean out the lint trap!

You may also want to look at how you’re packing your clothes into the dryer. If your clothes don’t dry completely and you have to run the dryer for an extra 15-30 minutes, the problem could be that it’s too full. Leave enough room in the dryer for clothes to fully spin, which will help reduce dampness.

People also claim that these dryer balls are supposed to help your clothes dry faster.

2. Consider an Alternate Heat Source 

If you live in a colder climate, you may find that your electric bills tend to get costly in the fall and winter. One solution is to invest in an alternate heat source. While gas and propane can be just as expensive as electricity, wood- and pellet-burning stoves can be cost-saving solutions. I have two small space heaters that I run only in my room, and they use less electricity than my entire HVAC system.  While this will require an initial investment, it will help you save on your electric bill over time.

3. Make Easy Changes in Summer

You can make several simple changes during the hot summer months to reduce your electricity consumption. For starters, prevent the sunlight from heating your home by keeping curtains and blinds closed. On breezy days, consider opening the windows to take advantage of Mother Nature’s cooling abilities.

It’s ideal to use window and ceiling fans whenever possible rather than air conditioners. However, if you do use air conditioners, you may want to reconsider the placement. Rather than installing multiple air conditioners, consider installing a single unit in a room that circulates air throughout the house. Also, consider using your air conditioner only during the hottest part of the day rather than leaving it on all day.

4. Check your insulation

This past summer, we added much-needed insulation to our attic.  It has made a big difference in the warmth of our house.  We purchased the blow-in insulation at our local store, and they provided the machine for free.  It took three of us- one in the attic controlling the hose and two on the ground opening the insulation and feeding the machine.  About three hours later, the attic was full of fresh insulation.

These are just a few ways to save money on your electricity overall. Also, remember to make wise decisions, such as turning off and unplugging appliances and electronics when they’re not in use.

And don’t forget to check how to save on insurance with these four steps!