Moving into your first home can mean steeper electric bill than you are used to. All those small differences can feel like they have added up quickly. Or perhaps it’s not your first home but you want to start this one off on the right, economical foot.
Here’s your guide to using electricity wisely and start saving on your bill each month.
Cut back on hot water use.
Heating water is expensive. Cut back on how much you spend by taking shorter showers or cooler ones if you like a particularly hot shower. Purchase laundry detergent designed to clean well in cooler temperature water and start running your loads on the cold or warm cycle instead of hot.
Unplug unused electronics.
You might think that when a device is turned off it is no longer using power but if it is still plugged into the wall it is still taking it in. Instead of just switching off corded devices unplug them after use too. Alternatively, plug systems into a power strip to make it easier to manage and not have to unplug five different devices each time you power down. You can also invest in new technology that allows you to create smart outlets. You’ll be able to turn off devices from the other room or even while out of the house. You will also be able to hone in on which electronics are using the most energy and create a plan of action to course correct the problem.
Manage your home’s temperature.
If you have electric heat lowering the temperature by even just a couple of degrees can make a big difference in the long run. Make it even easier to manage and monitor by installing a smart thermostat like Nest. You’ll be able to set up schedules and reminders as well as see actual data to your energy usage.
It’s also wise to invest in smart blinds which can be scheduled to open and close at certain times of the day. Namely, you want them to be closed to keep the afternoon sun out in summers and let in during the winters.
Ditch big energy hogs.
Unplug your second fridge and/or freezer. At the very least do a cost analysis to determine the extra space truly saves you in the long run in comparison to the expense on your electric bill. Hang dry your laundry to really save on energy usage. Install a line outside for fresh, sun-warmed laundry and pick up a rack for those cold and rainy months.
There are a lot of different ways to save on energy each month. Some add up to just a few dollars of savings over the year while others make an impact you can see month to month.