Utility bills often represent a major chunk of a household budget. As a general rule, electricity makes much of that bill.
This often even more true during the summer months, when electricity bills spike. People crank up the air conditioning as the heat rises and A/C uses a lot of electricity.
This combination of factors makes most people eager to find ways of reducing energy costs. The good news is that you can employ a number of simple hacks to save money on electricity. Keep reading for five of the best hacks.
Read Also:
- Discover the Top 3 Most Energy-Efficient Types of Windows You Can Install
- 5 Smart Ways to Conserve Electricity Around Your Home
- How Can I Lower My Electricity Bill in the Summer?
- How Can Us Find & Hire the Best Electric Company
- The Expert Guide to Resolve Your Electrical Issues
- Exploring the Solution of Electrical Safety
- Energy Saving Tips for Homes
Thermostat Adjustments
A lot of people set their thermostats for a comfortable temperature and just leave it there. Of course, that means your A/C runs all day long when your home is empty. It burns through a lot of electricity to keep that empty space cool.
Turn your thermostat up in the summer or down in the winter before you leave for work. You can change it back when you get home and lower your energy bill. You can get a programmable thermostat if you think you won’t remember.
Replace Those Light Bulbs
The advice for a long time was that you should replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. CFL bulbs are much more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs.
Of course, now LED bulbs prove even more efficient than those CFL bulbs and offer remarkable lifespans. Make sure all the bulbs in your home are either CFL or LED for a simple way to reduce electric bills.
Check the Seals
Cracks and poor seals around doors and windows are a major source of heat and cooling loss in many homes. You can fix most minor cracks or gaps with a basic silicone 2 sealant. Expanding foam can typically take care of any larger cracks.
Appliance Replacements
Appliances fail like any other machine. When the time comes for a replacement, look for appliances with the Energy Star rating.
Energy Star products must offer similar performance but with significantly better energy efficiency. You enjoy an equivalent performance and reduce electric bills.
Solar Power
Solar power can’t normally replace traditional grid electricity unless you live somewhere with a lot of annual sunshine. What solar panel installation does is reduce your use of that grid electricity.
Most solar systems connect with your local grid. Your home uses the solar-generated power first and grid electricity second. If your solar system produces extra electricity, you often get credit for it on your bill.
Parting Thoughts on How to Save Money on Electricity
It doesn’t take a lot to save money on electricity bills.
You can make basic changes in your home by switching over to LED or CFL bulbs and sealing cracks. A programmable thermostat can save you money by making your home warmer or colder during hours when the space is empty.
Updating appliances with ones that possess an Energy Star rating saves you money whenever the appliance runs. Installing solar panels reduces your daily draw on the grid and lowers your bill.
Looking for other home improvement options? Check out some of the other home improvement articles on this site.
