Sometimes, trying to save money on utilities can seem impossible, even when you think you’re doing everything right. However, there are many simple adjustments that can become great money-saving tools over time. Here are 18 lesser-known hacks to reduce your electric costs.
Upgrade Your Appliances to Energy-Efficient Ones
You’re always going to be using your refrigerator, washing machine, and air conditioner, so while they’re running, why not save money on them? Switching to energy-efficient models means you’re paying less for the same service from your appliances, and increased efficiency can also help to lower greenhouse gas emissions, notes the EPA.
Switch to a Programmable Thermostat
Money can easily be wasted on a thermostat that constantly runs at the wrong temperatures, so switching to a programmable thermostat means you can better control what you’re paying for. Smart thermostats and programmable systems can also learn your routine, so programs are automatic, saving you time and money!
Use Off-Peak Energy Hours
If you have a ton of laundry to do, plan to use your washing machine during off-peak hours when rates of electricity are at their cheapest. If you’re not too sure when this is, you can check with your supplier to find out when you can save the most money.
Optimize Your Home’s Natural Light
Another little-known hack is to optimize natural light, which might sound obvious, but it’s easily forgotten. Arrange the furniture in your rooms and use window dressings properly to let in as much light as possible. You may even want to install skylights. Ideal Home mentions how natural light also improves your mood and lowers stress.
Change Your Refrigerator Settings
Your refrigerator could be using up energy more than you think, so you’ll want to set its temperature between 35°F and 38°F for best performance. Do a quick check to make sure door seals aren’t letting any air in, and it can also be helpful to organize your fridge to improve air circulation.
Cold Water Wash for Laundry
Another helpful tip is to do a cold laundry wash as often as you can, as this will save you money on water heating costs. If you have a dryer, avoid using it if it’s a sunny day, and try to air dry your clothes instead.
Seal and Insulate Your Home
Doing a full sweep of your home will help you to identify any gaps or cracks, especially around windows and doors, which could be letting out all that heating you’re paying for! You should also make sure your attic, basement, and walls are insulated properly to prevent heat from escaping.
Go for LED Lighting
It may seem like LED lighting is expensive to run if you’ve never used it before, but it’s actually a better choice for saving on your electric bill. LED bulbs last longer at a lower price, and smart LED bulbs also mean you can time them to turn off.
Make Sure Your Unused Electronics are Unplugged
Most people are guilty of leaving things turned on when they’re not using them, but it’s amazing how much this will hike up your electricity bill! Disconnect your phone charger, appliances, and any other electronics when you’re not using them, especially overnight.
Don’t Forget to Maintain Your HVAC Systems
Annual maintenance for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems might seem like an extra expense, but it’s actually a great hack for saving money in the long term. Regular maintenance ensures your systems are working, so you won’t waste money on inefficient filters or operations.
Optimize Your Water Heater
To save energy, another helpful hack is to optimize your water heater by lowering the temperature setting, ideally to 120°F to save on energy. Also, make sure that your pipes and heater are insulated efficiently so that there isn’t any heat loss.
Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can actually help to reduce your heating bills, too, as they’re not just for warmer days. While ceiling fans will definitely help you save money by avoiding the air con unit, they will also help circulate hot air and push it down from the ceiling during winter.
Switch to Solar Power
This one is a considerable change, but it’s something to consider in the long run if you’re serious about saving money – and helping the planet! The Department of Energy informs us that switching to solar means you can generate your own electricity, and solar panels will also add value to your home.
Perform Your Own Energy Audit
Another handy trick is to do a DIY energy audit without paying for a professional, as this will help you pinpoint where you’re spending the most money. Inspecting your property and investing in a thermal camera can help to point out gaps or even leaks.
Choose Energy-Efficient Windows
If your windows are old, you could also be losing a lot of money; the best thing you can do is upgrade to double or even triple glass. A quick solution is also to use window film to block out the sun and cool down your home instead of depending on air conditioning.
Use Smart Power Strips
If you’re using a lot of power strips around the home, it’s a good idea to switch to Smart versions to save money. Smart power strips will cut off power if electronics haven’t been used for a while, and you can also better schedule them to turn off for easier use.
Cook in a More Efficient Way
A little-known energy-saving hack is to transform the way you cook—simple changes can go a long way! Using the microwave for something quick instead of heating up your whole oven will help you save money, and using the correct pot size over a burner will avoid wasting heat.
Introduce Smart Home Technology
Our final hack for cutting electricity costs is to transform your home into a smart home – gradually, of course! Smart tech is good for both your pocket and the planet, says the Independent, and will help you to better understand your utilities and cut them down based on smart tech’s more detailed reports.
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