12 Clever Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill

You just got your monthly electric bill, and your jaw drops at the high price. In 2023, the national average electricity price increased by 10% from 2022, substantially raising many households’ bills. Luckily, you can take a few steps to fight back against rising energy costs, from moderating your energy usage to making some important changes to your daily lifestyle.

_{All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Better Report may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.}

Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Ninety percent of the energy used by washing machines goes toward heating the water, which means using cold water instead will cut down on electric costs. On average, cold water cycles cost about 4 cents per load, while hot water costs 68 cents per load. Best of all, cold water cleans your clothes just as well and may even help them last longer.

Choose When to Use Your Dishwasher

Save on your electric and water bills by not running the dishwasher during peak hours, which vary by time zone and season. Running the dishwasher during off-peak hours will save you at least 25% per cycle.

Upgrade to LED Lighting

Swap out incandescent bulbs for LED lighting. LED bulbs use almost 90% less electricity than other light bulbs, saving you around $4,000 over its average lifespan. LED bulbs also last an average of 34 years compared to one year for incandescent bulbs, so you’ll save money on replacement costs.

Fully Stock Your Fridge

A well-stocked fridge helps cut down on energy costs. Cold food helps keep other food cold if stored nearby, putting less strain on the compressor. Keep your fridge door open as little as possible, and set your appliance’s temperature to around 37 degrees Fahrenheit to save further.

Plant Trees Outside the Windows

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, planting trees outside your windows can reduce personal energy costs by 25%. Deciduous trees — such as pines, maples, and oaks — absorb energy from the sun, providing shade during the summer and insulating your house during the winter.

Use Insulating Paint

Insulating your home is a great way to avoid spending extra to cool or heat your home. Studies show that insulating paint on exterior walls and roofs in your home can help reduce energy needs by 36% in cold environments and 21% in warmer conditions.

Take Shorter Showers

Heating water makes up around 18% of annual utility bills. You can save on those costs by limiting yourself to shorter showers and investing in an energy-efficient showerhead to use less water each time. Doing so may save you up to $70 on your electric bill annually.

Use Fans Instead of Air Conditioning

While you may be tempted to crank up the AC to beat the heat, using fans requires roughly 1% of the energy that air conditioners need. That means running a fan for 24 hours costs less than using an air conditioner for around 15 minutes.

Seal Leaky Windows and Doors

You may not realize how much air is creeping in from the outdoors. Check all your windows and doors for drafty areas. If you notice any air seeping through, invest in rubber weather strips to seal the cracks and cut down on costs.

Switch Energy Providers

Just like shopping around for the best deal on a car, you can hunt for better energy providers. Comparing rates is a fantastic way to get the best deal available, and some may even offer you an extra discount if they find out you’re shopping around.

Unplug Everything When Not in Use

When you finish brewing coffee, unplug the coffee maker. When you’re done watching TV, unplug the television. When you’re done charging your phone, unplug the charger. Unplugging things when not in use helps the average homeowner knock $100 off their annual electric bill.

Close Your Blinds

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, around 76% of sunlight from a glass window enters as heat. Closing the blinds and investing in medium-colored drapes with white plastic backings can reduce that number by an estimated 33%.

_{Featured Image Credit: AndreyPopov/ iStock}