Electricity bills tend to be high, particularly in homes with large families. Between the electrical appliances, power tools and the electronic gadgets it is easy to have a skyrocketing electric bill. These easy tips will help you reduce electricity usage and lower the monthly electric bill.
Windows
Closing the curtains and blinds will help block out the sunlight and keep the rooms cooler. This is especially important in the rooms on the sunny side of the house. If you prefer to have a view, consider using outdoor awnings or install window film on the windows. Sheer curtains are also beneficial in blocking the rays of the sun while providing an unobstructed view.
Unplug
Even when an electrical device or appliance is turned off, it is still using power as long it is plugged in. For example, after charging your cellphone or laptop leaving the cord plugged in the outlet, even unplugged from the device, will continue to use energy. Unplug everything that has cords with easy access. Things that are not in use including items such as toasters, blenders, hair dryers and electric razors should be unplugged when not in use. For security reasons, a timer is the perfect way to turn the lights on before you get home and to make sure lights are not on when you aren’t home.
Change Light Bulbs
Swapping out the incandescent bulbs for the compact fluorescent bulbs will generate less energy and less heat, which will reduce the energy cost. Although the fluorescent bulbs may seem more expensive, they actually cost less to use. One fluorescent bulb costs about the same price as four to six conventional bulbs, however fluorescent lights last on the average ten times longer than a conventional bulb, and they use less energy.
Cooking
If you have a choice to use the microwave instead of an electric stove for cooking meals, use the microwave. A microwave uses about 90% less energy than what it takes to use an electric oven. For example, a baked potato cooked in the microwave uses a little less than 20% of the electricity it would take to bake the potato in an electric stove. Consider replacing your appliances to modern energy star efficient ones. Appliances that meet the energy star rating will use as much as 20% less electricity than an older appliance.
Heating and Cooling
The biggest electricity guzzlers are the heating and cooling systems. Have an annual inspection of the heating and air conditioning system to make sure it is running efficiently. During annual inspections, the technician will also clean the duct work and change the filters. Depending on where you live, the age of the HVAC system and the temperature of the home, new filters and unclogged duct work can sometimes lower your electric bill by as much as 50%. Change the furnace filters once a month to keep the system operating efficiently. Lowering the thermostat by one degree in the winter and raising it by one degree in the summer can often save you a tremendous amount of money for energy usage.
By taking small steps towards changing your habits, you will begin to notice large differences in the monthly electric bill. Websites like Electric.com also offer practical tips for reducing energy. Encourage everyone in the house to do their part in turning off lights, unplugging devices and staying away from the thermostat. Depending on the changes you make, at first you may only notice gradual changes in the electric bill, however, over time and with practice you will begin to notice a large decrease in the amount of energy you are consuming.
