14 Ways to Reduce Your Electricity Bill You Likely Haven’t Thought Of

For many households, the cost of electricity is a particular cause of worry. While cost-cutting measures like turning off unused appliances and installing energy-saving devices have been beneficial in the past, rising inflation and turmoil in the international oil and gas markets have caused utility prices to soar in recent years. 

The good news is there are several other ways to reduce your electricity bill that you might not have considered. Try these approaches today to shave a couple of dollars off your residential energy spending. 

1. Get a Programmable Thermostat

Setting your thermostat a few degrees lower or higher when you’re away or asleep can save you as much as 10% on annual heating and cooling costs. As the seasons change, your home warms up more slowly during winter and cools slowly during the hot months. 

Adjusting the temperature at specific times during the day lessens the strain on your HVAC system, reducing its energy use. You can do this manually or save yourself the hassle by installing a programmable thermostat.

2. Leverage Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates

Some utility companies charge lower rates per kilowatt hour depending on the time of day. For instance, many PG&E customers in California subscribe to plans with lower prices before 4 p.m. and after 9 p.m. every weekday. 

Take advantage of TOU rates from your provider to slash your electricity bill. Use these low-tariff periods for the most energy-intensive requirements like laundry, dishwashing or charging your electric vehicle. 

3. Eliminate Energy Vampires 

Many electronic devices in your home consume power even when turned off. Coffee makers, TVs, hair dryers and gaming consoles are among the biggest energy vampires in a typical household. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, leaving these appliances plugged in when not in use can quickly add up to $200 a year. 

Alternatively, you could plug these appliances into a power strip, allowing you to turn everything off with a single button. 

4. Adjust Your Fridge and Freezer Temperature

Your refrigeration system stays on 24/7, making it one of the largest household energy guzzlers. Many people make the mistake of setting the temperature lower than it needs to be, which is reflected in their electricity bills. 

Adjusting your fridge to an optimal 37 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your food fresh without unnecessary energy usage. Maintain a 0-degree Fahrenheit temperature for your freezer and remember to keep it closed. 

5. Switch to Cold Showers

Your water heater accounts for around 18% of your home’s total energy consumption. Taking cold, albeit shorter showers can go a long way in making your electricity bill more manageable. 

Plus, it’s great for the environment and you can enjoy numerous health benefits, including improved circulation and boosted immunity. Similarly, consider minimizing hot water usage in other household activities like dishwashing and laundry. 

6. Cook Smartly 

Food preparation uses a significant amount of power, driving up your monthly spending on utilities. On average, an oven consumes up to 5,000 watts of electricity, while a stove uses around 3,000 watts. Assuming a typical household cooks multiple times daily, they’d be racking up considerable energy costs. Employing these simple measures can make a difference:

• Keep pots and pans covered: Lids trap heat, allowing food to cook faster and more efficiently.  
• Use a timer when using the oven: This will inform you when it reaches the right temperature without unnecessarily opening the oven. 
• Turn off the cooker when your food is nearly cooked: Let the built-up heat finish the process. 
• Cook multiple dishes simultaneously: In addition to minimizing energy consumption, it lets you leave the kitchen quicker. 
• Use smaller appliances for light meals: Toaster ovens and slow cookers consume less energy than full-sized ovens.

7. Get Rid of Air Leaks

Drafts make your heating and cooling systems work harder to maintain your preferred room temperature, leading to higher electricity use. If you live in an older home, pay close attention to your garage doors, as they’re a huge source of air leaks. Consider replacing them if they’ve seen better days. Installing an insulated garage door is a good way to minimize energy loss within your home. 

8. Air Dry Your Laundry

Running a clothes dryer in California or Massachusetts can add over $100 to your annual electricity bills. A simple clothesline is way more affordable and will not cost you a single cent more with successive use. 

If you must use a dryer, make efforts to maximize its efficiency. For instance, did you know using a shorter hose can make the machine work up to 20% faster?

9. Maximize Natural Air Circulation

Your HVAC system doesn’t have to stay on all day. Unless you live in a region with extreme temperatures, there will likely be pockets of time when natural ventilation can sufficiently cool or warm your home. 

Open windows strategically and use a fan if needed to help keep air flowing and prevent moisture buildup. Reducing the need for artificial cooling or heating will effectively lower your electricity costs. 

10. Buy More Solar-Powered Gadgets 

Look for appliances around your house that could be powered by readily available sunshine. Solar-powered gadgets provide immediate electricity savings. 

For instance, you could completely eliminate the electricity costs associated with outdoor lighting by installing fence post lights. These devices absorb sunlight during the day and come alive with a soft glow at night. 

11. Transition to LED Bulbs

LED lighting requires only a fraction of the electricity to produce the same amount of light, resulting in lower electricity costs. Swapping out incandescent bulbs with LEDs can reduce your energy bill by as much as $225 yearly. Remember to turn them off when not in use to maximize the power savings. 

12. Take Advantage of Cost Assistance Programs

Federal and state governments offer numerous programs to help residents lower their utility bills. For example, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides federally funded assistance to reduce electricity costs and facilitate minor home repairs. LIHEAP may cover a portion of a household’s energy expenses during winter, reducing the financial burden on eligible families.

13. Change Air Filters Often

Clean filters improve your HVAC system’s efficiency, allowing air to flow more freely and reducing the workload on the fan motor. When the motor doesn’t work as hard to achieve the desired temperature, it consumes less electricity. 

14. Switch to a New Provider

If all else fails and you’re still overpaying for electricity, it may be time to switch to a different supplier. Utility companies often offer exclusive deals and discounts, especially for new subscribers. 

Check which ones you qualify for and whether they’re sustainable over the long term. Switching providers isn’t as difficult as you might think and there are several online comparison tools that can streamline your search. 

Stop Spending so Much on Electricity 

Slashing your spending on energy benefits your wallet and helps create a more eco-friendly environment. These 15 tips are just the beginning. Feel free to explore more options and you’ll be well on your way to reducing your electricity bills for a long time.