Some Simple Ways to Cut Your Electric Bill

Reduce Air Leakage

One of the best ways to create an energy-efficient home is to measure your home's energy efficiency to check for air leaks and insulation sufficiency. If an energy audit shows that your home is lacking, you may need to air seal your home to help you save on heating and cooling costs. 

Use Programmable Thermostats

Another good way to reduce your electric bill is to embrace technology. There are many new technological advances that have been designed to conserve energy and electricity use. Programmable thermostats can help you save electricity by pre-setting temperatures for the times when people are home and actually need heating or cooling for comfort.

Use LED Bulbs

You can change out any incandescent light blubs with CFL or LED bulbs, which are about four times more energy efficient and last longer. If you’re not already doing so, add timers to lamps and power strips to computers and electronics to help save energy. Always remember to unplug unused electrical devices to avoid wasting money on phantom power.

Replace Older Appliances

Another way to reduce electricity is to replace older appliances with newer, more energy efficient models. ENERGY STAR certified appliances come with two tags that tell you the purchase price and the price that it costs to operate the appliance to help you plan for future costs. For example, ENERGY STAR washers and refrigerators are about 20% more energy efficient than standard models.

Increase Natural Lighting with Energy Efficient Windows

Another home improvement that can help reduce lighting costs and electricity use is to add energy efficient windows and skylights. Be sure to check the energy performance ratings of windows, doors, and skylights to ascertain how well they maintain temperature and transmit sunlight. You may also want to consider an investment in alternative energy technology for your home, such as solar, geothermal, or wind power.

More Ways to conserve energy in your home

• Lower the temperature on your hot water heater
• Reduce the number of dishwasher and clothes washer loads
• Clean the lint from your dryer screen to help it run efficiently (and safely)