46 Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill and Save Money Year-Round

Do you dread getting your electricity bill every month, especially during the scorching summer heat or the bitter winter chill? You’re not alone. The average monthly electricity bill for residential customers in the United States jumped from $121 a month in 2021 to $137 a month in 2022, a 13 percent increase in just one year. But fear not! There are plenty of simple, cost-effective ways to reduce your monthly electric bill and enjoy year-round savings.

Table of Contents

Conduct an Energy Audit

Before diving into the tips, consider getting a free home energy audit from your utility company. This audit can help you pinpoint areas of high energy usage in your home. Don’t have access to a utility-sponsored audit? Conduct your own audit by inspecting your home for energy inefficiencies.

Lower Your Thermostat at Night

When the weather turns chilly, grab an extra blanket and lower your thermostat at night. By dropping the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours a night, you can save up to 10 percent on your annual energy costs. The concept of heat transference means the lower the indoor temperature, the less your furnace needs to run.

Get Smart with Dimmer Switches

Switching to dimmer switches can help you control the amount of light you use, saving energy in the process.

Keep Your Fridge and Freezer Full

Aside from keeping your fridge closed, keeping it full can also lead to energy savings. The food in your fridge acts as insulation, reducing the time the fridge needs to run to stay cool.

Embrace Ceiling Fans

Installing ceiling fans can help circulate air in your home, reducing the workload on your air conditioner.

Line Dry Your Laundry

Opt for line-drying your laundry using a clothesline or drying rack to save energy. If you’re not a fan of line-dried clothes, try using dryer balls to speed up drying time.

Unplug Electronics and Appliances

Did you know that home electronics consume 75 percent of their energy when turned off? Combat phantom loads by plugging these devices into power strips and turning them off when not in use.

Embrace Attic Fans

Installing an attic fan can help pull cool air into your home while expelling hot air.

Shield Your Home From the Sun

Reducing your air conditioning use can be as simple as closing curtains and blinds on the sunny side of your home. For added savings, consider installing tinted window film.

Maintain Your HVAC System

Schedule yearly maintenance for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to ensure peak efficiency and cleaner air in your home.

Now that we’ve covered some basics, let’s dive into more energy-saving tips to help you reduce your electric bill and save money.

Additional Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill

Here are more valuable tips to help you cut down on energy costs and make your home more energy-efficient:

Change HVAC Filters Monthly: Ensure your HVAC system runs efficiently by changing the filters every 30 days.
Upgrade to Energy Star Appliances: Replace old appliances with Energy Star models that use less energy.
Wash Laundry in Cold Water: Save on water heating costs by washing clothes in cold water.
Install Low-Flow Showerheads: Reduce water consumption and water heating costs with low-flow showerheads.
Get a Programmable Thermostat: Set your thermostat to run less when you’re away or sleeping.
Clean Your Dryer Lint Trap: Maximize efficiency by cleaning the dryer lint trap after each load.
Install Storm Doors: Prevent energy loss and improve insulation by installing storm doors.
Switch to Solar Lights Outdoors: Save on outdoor lighting costs by using solar lights.
Ensure Your Home Is Properly Insulated: Check insulation levels and add more where needed to improve energy efficiency.
Seal Windows and Doors: Combat drafts by adding weatherstripping around windows and doors.
Use Insulating Paint: Improve insulation by painting your home with insulated paint.
Spend Less Time in the Shower: Save electricity and water by taking shorter showers with a low-flow showerhead.

By implementing these tips and making a conscious effort to reduce energy consumption in your home, you can significantly lower your electric bill and enjoy savings year-round. Remember, small changes can add up to big savings over time. So, start making energy-efficient choices today and watch your electric bill decrease!