Below, learn how to lower your electric bill with 46 tips fora more energy-efficient home.
If there is no such program in your area,conduct your own energy audit instead.
It will clue you into areas where you could trim your energy use.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Install Dimmer Switches
The key to saving energy is within reach.
Switch to dimmer switches, so you only use as much light as you need.
Keep Your Fridge and Freezer Full
Everyone always tells you to keep the fridge closed.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
But did you know that keeping your fridge and freezer full can also save money?
Food acts as insulation and lessens the amount of time that the fridge has to run to stay cool.
The moving air helps keep your skin feel cooler in the summer.
Grace Cary / Getty Images
Line Dry Your Laundry
Set up aclotheslinein your backyard, and let Mother Nature dry your laundry.
If this is not an option, consider hanging clothes on a drying rack or shower rod.
For even more savings, consider installing tinted window film.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
As a bonus, you will also have cleaner air circulating in your home.
Change HVAC Filters Monthly
Keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency bychanging the filterevery 30 days.
Set a reminder on your phone, so you do not forget.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Switch out the most widely used bulbs in your home.
Then, replace the rest as they burn out.
Turn off the heat dry feature, and you will minimize the energy drain.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
you’re free to lower this percentage, by setting your water heater to 130 to 140 degrees.
Learn more ways tosave on your water heating bill.
Take Advantage of Off-Peak Rates
Does your town offer cheaper electric rates during off-peak hours?
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Turn the dial to cold, and skip the bill.
Minimize the drain by only washing full loads.
Use Dryer Balls
Tossdryer ballsinto the dryer with your clothes to speed up drying time.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
They can cut your hot water energy cost by half.
Install one on all of your exterior doors.
Perform maintenance on your refrigerator and freezer once every three months to optimize its efficiency.
Gazebo / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Then, say goodbye to phantom energy use.
Install a water heater timer, and set yours to run just when you need it.
How much will this save?
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Expect to see a 5 to 12 percent reduction in your water heater’s energy costs.
They absorb the sun’s energy during the day and run for free at nighta real bargain.
Condensation makes the fridge work harder and costs you more money.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Cook With the Lids On
Foods cook faster with lids on because the heat cannot escape.
The only exceptions are meats and other temperature-critical foods.
Microwaves use less electricity and do not release as much heat into your home.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Use the valve on the side of your hot water heater to drain andremove the sedimenttwice yearly.
Seal Windows and Doors
Check around your windows and doors for any drafty gaps.
Then, purchase andinstall weatherstrippingto fill in any spots where drafts get in.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
you might now purchase a ceramic additive that turns ordinary paint into insulated paint.
Long showers mean you’re using more electricity to heat more water.
Shorter showers mean less electricity is needed because you’re using less hot water.
Spaces Images / Getty Images
you’re free to also save more water by installing a showerhead that uses less water.
Save Water and Energy by Showering Better.EPA.
Donald Iain Smith / Getty Images
mumininan / Getty Images
Hero Images / Getty Images
Hero Images / Getty Images
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Martin Poole / Getty Images
Hero Images / Getty Images
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Mark Hunt / Getty Images
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Adrian Peacock / Getty Images
Russell Sadur / Getty Images
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
chandlerphoto / Getty Images
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Image Source / Getty Images
Teresa Short / Getty Images
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
gerenme / Getty Images
Hinterhaus Productions / Getty Images
Andrew Hetherington / Getty Images
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
annebaek / Getty Images
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
JulNichols / Getty Images
BanksPhotos / Getty Images
Gary Ombler / Getty Images
BanksPhotos / Getty Images
ftwitty / Getty Images
John Keeble / Getty Images