8 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill

Electric bills can skyrocket in price during the winter months when you need heating the most! If you want to make your electric bills more bearable this season, there are a few steps that you can take.

Making a few changes can lower your monthly bill significantly.  Here are seven ways to save money on your electric bill: 

1. Check the seals on doors and windows. 
2. Adjust your thermostat. 
3. Change your fridge temperature. 
4. Wash clothes in cold water. 
5. Fix leaking sinks and faucets. 
6. Look for discounted power. 
7. Use different light bulbs. 
8. Upgrade to green appliances. 

Overall, the more these measures you can take, the more significant impact they’ll have on your electric bill. If you want to learn more, it’s best to continue reading!

I’ll discuss all of these tips in the article below. 

1. Check the Seals on Doors and Windows

The first thing you’ll need to check is the seals on your doors and windows. If the seal isn’t strong enough, your energy can escape, raising your monthly electric bill!

This issue tends to worsen during summer when you run the AC and when your heater runs in the winter. You can quickly tell if power can get out through your windows.

The most significant sign of a broken window seal is if you can see fog between your window panes. Moisture indicates that the window can’t insulate your home correctly.

You’ll want to replace the seal or the windows themselves if they’re older than 15 years old. You can also test your doors for a strong seal. Put a one-dollar bill in the door, then shut it.

If you can pull or move the dollar bill easily, the seal on your door isn’t strong enough to trap energy inside. While changing your windows and doors is expensive, you’ll quickly make that back by saving money on your power bill each month.

Many people who go through this process say it’s well worth the cost! 

2. Adjust Your Thermostat

Next, you’ll want to adjust your thermostat when you leave the house. Lowering the temperature by 10 to 15 degrees can significantly reduce your yearly electric costs!

It can be challenging to remember on some days to do this, so I suggest using a smart thermostat. The Emerson Sensi WiFi Smart Thermostat from Amazon.com works well for saving you money.

The brand says their product can save you about 23% on your bill! Plus, it can connect with many different devices, so you can adjust the temperature while out of the house and make automatic settings to save on power. 

3. Change Your Fridge Temperature

You should also raise your fridge temperature slightly. The fridge needs to work extra hard if it’s too cold, leading to a more costly power bill. You’ll want to set it to 38°F (3°C) for the best results.

Once your fridge reaches that temperature, it should stop running.  This temperature is low enough to keep your food from spoiling without freezing it. Plus, it’s also high enough that your fridge shouldn’t struggle to keep it at that temperature. 

While you’re at it, you also should change your freezer to 5°F (-15°C). This level is enough for your food to keep without making the fridge run constantly.

4. Wash Clothes in Cold Water

When you use a lot of hot water, your water heater needs to run more - using more power. Most stains come out of clothes easier with cold water since hot water can further set the stain into the fabric. 

When you use cold water, you use half the energy usage compared to hot! Over time, you’ll notice a dip in your electric bills. However, you will want to use hot water when sanitizing fabrics, such as your bedsheets.

With most clothes, though, cold water is perfectly fine to use. 

5. Fix Leaking Sinks and Faucets

Leaking sinks and faucets can waste a ton of water! When hot water leaks, it can spike your electric bill. If it leaks all day, you could spend as much money as if you run your hot water that entire time. 

You’ll want to check all of your sinks and faucets at home, just in case. If the hot water tank leaks, you should also inspect its pressure release valve.

You’ll need to replace the part entirely if the seal has broken. 

6. Look for Discounted Power

Did you know that some utility providers can offer discounted rates? Call your provider and ask if they offer discounted rates during the day. Some do when fewer people use electricity- if you shower, wash your clothes, or do other power-heavy tasks during that time, you can save money. 

You also may qualify for discounted utility bills overall. Search online to find out if you’re eligible for a utility assistance program. These programs require information on your income, but can make your monthly bills much more manageable for you and your family. 

7. Use Different Light Bulbs

You should also try to change out your light bulbs in the rooms you have the lights on the most. Changing to LED or fluorescent bulbs with the Energy Star symbol can save you a lot of money over a year! 

According to Energy Saver, lighting makes up about 15% of your home’s yearly electricity use. Making the switch from incandescent bulbs to power-saving ones is an essential step to take!

You’ll still have quality light sources in your home but won’t pay nearly as much for them over time. 

8. Upgrade to Green Appliances

Finally, you’ll want to switch to energy-efficient appliances when you’re next looking to buy a new one. These appliances should also have the Energy Star symbol on them. 

You’ll want to switch out the appliances that you use the most frequently first. For instance, your washer, dryer, fridge, and TV are some of the best devices to upgrade.

When they have the Energy Star marking, you can feel confident that they use less power!