Heating up your home, taking showers, and powering your household appliances don’t come cheap. Statistics show that the average family spends about $150 on electricity alone every month.
The great news is that there are ways to reduce this and put more money in your pocket at the end of the year. Here is a list of some simple ways you can lower your energy bill, save money, and reduce your impact on the earth.
Adjust Your Thermostat
During colder months, some people don’t hesitate to crank up the heat. However, adjusting your thermostat by even just a few degrees can make a significant difference in how much you pay. Instead of turning up the heat, why not put on a warm fleece, or place a blanket over your legs? This small gesture can add up to hundreds over the course of the year.
During the warmer months, consider using fans instead of an air conditioner. Even though an air conditioner certainly does the trick, it can make a significant difference in your energy bill. By strategically placing fans throughout your home next to windows to create an airflow, you can cool down your home with a fraction of the electricity required for an air conditioner.
Wash Your Clothes on Cold
Washing your clothes on a hot cycle may seem like the smartest choice in terms of hygiene. However, if you choose the right cycle, washing your clothes with cold water can be just as effective and provide just as good of a wash. In addition to choosing a cold cycle to wash your clothes, you should also consider choosing an energy-reducing cycle. These are often longer cycles that consume less energy. Fast cycles may be faster, but they use a huge surge of energy to get the wash done in a fraction of the time.
Turn the Lights off
One of the biggest causes of high electric bills is leaving the lights on. Even though it might seem simple to turn the lights on, many people have a lot of trouble remembering to do so. If you can’t remember to turn the lights off you should set your lights on timers. With your lights on a timer, you’ll reduce your energy usage, and have the peace of mind of knowing that you don’t leave the lights on while you’re gone.
Take Fewer and Shorter Showers
Showers don’t just require you to increase your water bill, but heating your water also requires electricity. Taking fewer and shorter showers can cut your energy bill significantly over the course of the year. If possible, have your children take baths or showers together. The less time you spend in the shower, the more savings you’ll see in your energy bill over time.
