Electricity is a utility almost everyone uses. Unfortunately electricity bills can become quite costly. Many are often unable to pay their electricity bills. There is no debate about the need to lower electricity bills. Less electricity use is great when you live on a tight budget as most of us are during current times. A lower electricity bill can help improve budgets allowing the saved money to be used for other life necessities. A decreased electricity bill can help relieve stress by decreasing the anxiety of how to pay the next electricity bill. Below are a few tips on how to achieve a lower electricity bill.
Before we get into it, it is important to mention that saving electricity has become a necessity because it is peak summer time now in June and the Covid-19 pandemic has only made things worse so do visit the website https://ongill.com/ to get the best electricians in town.
Tip #1
Doing laundry can require a lot of energy use. Purchasing energy start washers can save a lot of electricity use, lowering your bill. If it is possible, wash your laundry in cold water and make sure the cloths have completely gone through the spin cycle before placing them in the dryer. It is much better, and cheaper to hang your clothing on a cloths line instead of drying them. However, if this is not possible make sure you clean the lint trap before each use of the dryer to cut back on electricity use. When drying the cloths, make sure you do not over dry them. This uses much more energy then is truly needed. Shorter drying periods is also beneficial to lowering your electricity bill. A good tip for drying is to dry heavier clothing in one load and lighter clothing in another load. To save electricity always wash and dry full loads of clothing.
Tip #2
Changing the way you light your home can greatly reduce your electricity bill. A big electricity saving tip is to turn the lights off whenever possible. Use compact fluorescent lights. These lights require much less electricity use the regular light bulbs. During the day avoid turning on the lights as much as possible. When you are away from home, make sure all the lights are shut off before leaving. Lights with dimming switches can be beneficial to lowering electricity use. Using a light bulb with higher wattage is cheaper than using two light bulbs with a lower wattage.
Tip #3
Using air conditioning can cause enormous electricity bills. Luckily, there are a few, easy tips to make the summer months remain comfortable while reducing your energy costs. A major benefit to reducing an electricity bill is to use energy star air conditioning units. Keep your thermostat set at 85 degrees when no one is at home. When the house is occupied set the thermostat no lower then 76 degrees. Ceiling fans circulate the air in the home maintaining a cooler temperature longer. Place solar powered fans in the attic to keep good ventilation. Air conditioners with timers are a good option to lowering your energy use. Use blinds during the day to reduce the amount of heat entering the home during the day. Maintain the ducts and vents attached to the air conditioner unit to ensure the air is flowing properly. By closing vents to rooms that are not in use can lower your energy consumption. Do not place heat sources such as lamps and electrical appliances next to the thermostat to prevent the air conditioner from turning on prematurely.
Tip #4
Electricity use can be reduced by changing a few kitchen habits. Wash your dishes in the sink when ever it is possible because dishwashers use a lot of energy. If washing in the sink is not an option, only wash full loads of dishes. When rinsing dishes, use cold water. Dishwashers should be used on the economy cycle to reduce the use of electricity. Do not use the drying cycle because it uses a lot of energy. Instead, open the dishwasher door a crack to allow the dishes to dry naturally. It may take longer but it will reduce your energy bill.
Use microwaves as much as possible when cooking, defrosting, and reheating. Oven heat up the house and use a lot of energy. Small appliances are must cheaper to use then the oven. Unplug any unused appliances because even when shut off they still use a little electricity.
Tip #5
By turning down the thermostat during winter, your electricity bill can easily be lowered. Bundle up in warm clothing or blankets if you get a little chilly. Either use the fire place or heater but never use both together. Cover air conditioner vents and drafty windows with plastic to reduce the need for the heater. Make sure the heater vents are clear from obstructions. If you are not home, make sure the heater is turned off and use a thermostat with a timer. Energy star windows can reduce your electricity use. Use reverse ceiling fans to circulate hot air around the house and close any vents or doors to unused rooms. Open the blinds on sunny days to naturally heat the home.
Tip #6
Many areas of our homes that use water also use electricity use. To decrease the electricity use make sure your pipes and water heaters are well insulated. The water heater should be set no higher then 120 degrees. If you are going on vacation turn the thermostat down on your water heater. Keep your heat thermostat on pools and spas turned down to 78 degrees. Keep the operations set on a timer. Don’t run pumps longer then necessary or during peak hours.