Conserving energy is necessary to keep your electric bill low each month and to avoid using more resources than you need. Not only can you have less of an impact on the environment, but you can also save a lot of money all year long. Here are some easy ways to lower your power bill.
Replace the Air Filter
Your air filter directly impacts the energy efficiency of your HVAC. When too much dirt and debris is in the filter, it causes the HVAC system to work harder, which in turn increases the amount of energy being used. Make it a point to replace the filter every three months to help minimize your energy usage and lower your power bill.
Select a Prepaid Electric Plan
Although many people have a long-term contract with their provider, a prepaid electric plan can be ideal if you’re looking to save money and lower your power bill. Choose an electric company that offers lower rates and has you pay only for the energy that you use. You will also have the ability to track your usage and determine what causes a spike in your bill over time. Of course, some seasons, the bill may also be higher or lower, depending on the weather and climate outside.
You can also ask your energy provider for a discounted rate on your bill. Many providers offer lower prices at specific times of the day. Running your appliances after 9 p.m. or before 9 a.m. can also allow you to get your chores done at a lower cost.
Insulate Your House
Although insulation is present in buildings, adding more can be an effective way to lower your power bill. Having plenty of insulation will help your house maintain its temperature during each season. You may also want to perform a visual inspection of the insulation that is already present to ensure it’s in good condition. Check for signs of water damage or mold to determine if any of it needs to be replaced. If you need to replace or add more, make sure you choose the right insulation for your home.
In addition, it’s also important to wrap insulation around your pipes to prevent them from bursting during the winter season.
Use Smart Power Strips
Many electronic gadgets never turn off and are on standby when they’re not in use. This means they are constantly using energy. Even leaving something as simple as a phone charger plugged in while not in use can increase the amount of energy your home is using. Consider plugging these electronics into a smart power strip to ensure that the current of the devices is cut off when they’re not in use. You’ll be surprised how much you can save on your electric bill without having to unplug everything each time.
Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances
Home appliances are well known for consuming a lot of energy, which means you wind up paying more on your electric bill all year round. In order to lower your power bills, replace outdated appliances and look to purchase energy-efficient appliances. These products will have an Energy Star label. Although it can be an investment to replace appliances, the money you will save in the long run will help make up for it. You could also opt to replace only those appliances that you use the most, such as the dishwasher or washing machine.
Swap Out Your Lightbulbs
Did you know that you can save an average of $75 each year simply by using energy-efficient lightbulbs and tossing out those incandescent or CFL bulbs? Again, look for LED bulbs or compact fluorescent bulbs that have the Energy Star label as these will use less energy. They also have a longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs, which means you don’t have to replace them as frequently.
Installing dimmer switches is another simple way to increase your savings since you can adjust the brightness of the bulbs in each room further reducing the amount of energy used.
Final Thoughts
Making these simple changes can go a long way to lowering your power bill. By taking these steps, you can save potentially hundreds of dollars throughout the year.