Saving money on your electric bill doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, with just a few simple changes, you can start seeing a difference in your monthly statement. Check out these easy hacks that will help you slash your electricity expenses without too much effort. Who knows? You might even be able to save enough money to take a vacation this year!
1. Use LED Bulbs
LED bulbs last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs and they use far less electricity. You can find LED bulbs at your local hardware store or online retailers. Simply swap out all the lightbulbs in your home with LEDs and you’ll start seeing a difference on your electric bill right away.
2. Air Dry Your Dishes
One of the easiest ways to save money on your electric bill is to air dry your dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heat drying cycle. If you have a dishwasher, chances are you use it regularly. Air drying your dishes can save you up to $25 per year on your electric bill.
3. Turn Off the Lights
The easiest way to save electricity is simply by turning off the lights when you leave a room. It’s a no-brainer, but so many people forget to do it. You can also save power by using energy-efficient light bulbs, which use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. Another easy way to save electricity is to unplug chargers and other devices when you’re not using them. Even if they’re not turned on, they’re still drawing power from the outlet.
4. Save Power With your Fridge
In the kitchen, one of the biggest electricity hogs is the refrigerator. But there are a few easy ways to save power with your fridge. First, make sure that the seals on the doors are tight and free of any gaps. This will keep cold air from escaping and prevent warm air from coming in, which makes the fridge work harder and use more electricity. You can also save power by setting the temperature a little higher than you might think is necessary. The ideal refrigerator temperature is between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Dry Clothes on a Clothesline or Rack
Another big electricity hog in many homes is the clothes dryer. drying your clothes on a clothesline or rack can save a lot of money over time. If you must use a dryer, make sure to clean the lint trap after every load. A clogged lint trap can make your dryer work less efficiently and use more electricity. You should also avoid overloading the dryer, which can cause it to take longer to dry your clothes and use more power.
6. Wash Full Loads of Laundry
Washing clothes is one of the most commonly used appliances in any home. And while it doesn’t use a ton of electricity, if you’re not washing full loads of laundry, you’re wasting water and energy. A full load of laundry uses less water and energy than two half-loads. So make sure to only run your washing machine when it’s full. You’ll save money and help the environment at the same time.
7. Unplug it if You’re Not Using It
If an appliance or electronic is not in use, unplug it. This can be a little tedious because you have to remember to do it each time. But once you get into the habit, it will become second nature. And your wallet will thank you for it at the end of the month.
8. Change Your AC Filter
A dirty filter will cause your air conditioner to work harder, using more electricity. Change it every month, or as often as the manufacturer recommends.
9. Turn Down Your Thermostat at Night
This hack alone could potentially save you hundreds of dollars a year, depending on how low you set your thermostat and the climate you live in. Educate your family and roommates about conserving energy so that everyone is on board with turning down the heat at night.
10. Turn Off All Electronics when You Leave The House
Many people leave their TVs, computers, and other electronics on standby mode, which uses a surprising amount of electricity. Get in the habit of turning off all electronics when you leave the house to save on your electric bill.
If you’re looking for more long-term solutions, consider buying energy efficient appliances. These days, there are many energy efficient options available that use less electricity than older models. When it’s time to replace an old appliance, make sure to do your research and buy an energy efficient model.
So what are you waiting for? Give these hacks a try and see how much money you can save on your electric bill this year!
