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.

Light switch being pressed to turn off kitchen lights and lower electricity bill

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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.

Outdoor energy meter being audited to lower electricity bill

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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.

Using a thermostat

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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.

Light switch next to dimmer switch on white wall to lower electric bill

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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.

Freezer full of frozen foods and containers to lower electric bill

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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.

Ceiling fan in house to lower electricity bill

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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?

White sheets and towels being line dried to lower electricity bill

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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.

Phone charger plugged into wall creating phantom charge

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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.

Attic fan from the roof exterior

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?

Window blinds being pulled down to lower electric bill

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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.

Yearly HVAC maintenance written in calendar to lower electric bill

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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.

HVAC air filters stacked on each other to help lower electric bill

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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.

LED light bulb being inserted into gray lamp to lower electric bill

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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.

Tree shade

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you’re free to also save more water by installing a showerhead that uses less water.

Save Water and Energy by Showering Better.EPA.

Dishwasher

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Hot water boiler

mumininan / Getty Images

Father carrying laundry basket in child

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Young family shopping for stoves in appliance store

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Laundry machine switched to cold water to lower electric bill

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Piles of laundry

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Woman replacing shower head with eco-friendly low-flow shower head, DIY

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Programmable thermostat being adjusted to lower electric bill

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Multiple blankets folded on bed to lower electric bill

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Dryer lint being removed from trap to lower electric bill

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Dryer balls next to folded clothing and wicker basket

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Tankless hot water system in the basement of a Green Technology Home

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Electrical outlet being removed to insert insulate

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Storm doors

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Cleaning refrigerator coils

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Oven turned off early to lower electric bill

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Front porch light

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Smart strip with multiple chargers next to houseplant

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Water boiler

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Reading LED light

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Outdoor solar lights in grass near tree trunk base

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Uncovered food

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Dinner

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Home garage

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Cook pan being used with lid on while gas stove is running

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Baking bread

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Microwave door open with bowl sitting inside

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Water Heater

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Gas Water Heater

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Insulating attic

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Window weather seal

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Painting house exterior

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Tiled shower wall in a modern bathroom

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