What Can I Do to Save on My Electric Utility Bill?

Working from home has made many of us aware of how much we’re spending on electricity. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), American households spend an average of $117.65 per month on electricity.

The good news is that there are plenty of simple steps you can take to save on your next electric utility bill. Try the effective ways below:

#1 Air-dry your dishes

Stop using the heat dry cycle on your dishwasher. Although it dries your dishes faster, the money you’ll save from opting out of it will be worth the effort of air-drying. Crack open a window and let your dishes dry naturally. Or, if you’re in a rush, use the air-dry setting on your dishwasher. The California Energy Commission says that the air-dry setting is a more energy-efficient alternative, reducing your appliance’s energy consumption by up to 50%.

#2 Change your lightbulbs

Are you using LED lightbulbs? If you aren’t, it’s time to make the switch. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED lightbulbs consume 75% less energy, and last much longer compared to standard incandescent lighting. Replace your home’s light fixtures with LED bulbs that have the Energy Star label.

#3 Reduce Hot Water Usage

Want to save big on your electric utility bills? Use less hot water. For every ten degrees that you turn your water heater’s temperature down, you will save approximately 5% on your electric bill. It is recommended to set its temperature to 120 degrees, which is enough to generate hot water and save energy at the same time. Plus, if you’re using hot water to wash your clothes, you’re better off using cold water. It’s just as effective as rinsing with hot water!

#4 Unplug Your Devices

Even on standby mode, electronics such as televisions, computers, etc. consume anywhere between 0.5 and 12 watts of energy. That number may seem insignificant, but when you add all of the electronics up, you’ll find that devices on standby power will account for 0.08% of your annual energy bill.

#5 Install a Programmable Thermostat

Are you using a thermostat that looks like it belongs in the 70s? Install a programmable thermostat and save up to 10% on cooling and heating-related costs. A programmable thermostat allows users to adjust the temperature according to a schedule. Save even more money by setting the temperature back by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for at least eight hours a day.

#6 Change Your Showerhead

If you take warm showers, using water-saving shower heads can save you around 330 kWh per year. Opt for a low-flow showerhead, which is essentially a showerhead that offers a 2.5 gpm flow rate. It limits the amount of water that is wasted each time you shower. To check whether your current showerhead is energy-efficient, try filling a bucket with water at normal water pressure. If the one-gallon mark is reached in less than twenty seconds, consider replacing your showerhead with a low-flow one.

Ask the Pros

Want expert advice on how you can save more money on your electric bill? Call your local technician -- they can conduct energy audits to help you pinpoint what you should be doing to be more energy-efficient.