Saving electricity is a terrific way to save money! With this post concerning 100 ways to save electricity, take various steps cut household expenditure and generate needed cash. Second, this also serves as a noble way for helping the environment.
Reducing energy consumption can limit the extraction of the earth’s resources. This results in lesser amounts of toxic emissions being released by electric power plants. Less demand for electricity means more conservation of natural reservoirs.
Reducing electrical costs is simple and easy. It just requires your awareness, responsibility, resourcefulness, and the ability to avoid overindulgence. Taking alternatives instead of focusing on convenience is one significant step towards this goal.
Cut Electric Bill by 75 Percent
If you opt to cut your electric bill by 75%, it will not be easy but isn’t impossible. There are several ways to go about this. To reduce the cost by more than half, performing a combination of these ways can significantly help.
1. Perform A Bill Audit
To solve the problem, one must find root causes. The first clever step to achieve this goal is to become aware of your consumption and become accountable. This will give you information on what is keeping your electric bill high. Once you have found the primary sources, work on them and limit their use.
There are several companies offering home energy audit services. They work by measuring energy use at home and assessing efficiency. Besides, they can help detect and fix problems present in the home’s electric system.
2. Use Solar Power
Installing solar panels on your roof is capable of cutting your electric bill by a significant degree. It is an expensive investment, but you can get your money back in the long run. The costs of solar panels usually depend on the brand, size, and location. But the good thing is that as time passes by, this becomes more affordable.
Among all the provided ways here, this is probably the single step that will cut your electric bill the most, perhaps even by 75% if incredibly determined. This is also sustainable as it provides electricity by harvesting solar energy. The installation is worth it for being against high energy consumption.
3. Repair Faulty Electrical Wires
There is an excellent link between damaged wires and a high bill. Frayed wires can cause appliances to consume extra electricity, leading to leakage and may even cause devices to heat up. What’s worse is this can cause shocks and unwanted damages.
4. Regular HVAC Maintenance
For most households, the HVAC or heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system contributes the biggest part to the electric bill. Doing regular check-ups and cleaning on this system will provide a huge relief to your energy usage. Getting rid of clogs that can obstruct the airflow will allow these devices to work efficiently and reduce power consumption.
5. Replace or Repair Damaged Appliances
It’s essential to check your appliances for damage regularly. This is because damaged and old wirings can set off devices toward a malfunction. This can result in higher power usage from continuous and undirected energy flow. If problems cannot be repaired, try to replace these appliances to prevent further dangers.
6. Don’t Depend on Household Devices
If you count the number of electric cleaning devices present in your house, how many are there? Cleaning equipment such as scrubbing machines, box sweepers, vacuum cleaners, polishing machines, and vapor cleaning machines may not be the best products for a regular house. Don’t use them regularly if you aim to cut power consumption.
Cleaning machines used almost every day can increase your electricity bill tremendously. Doing household chores using cleaning tools is far cheaper and costs little or no money, along with saving power. These activities will also engage the whole family to become more active. One could even lose some unwanted calories!
Common Ways To Lower Your Electric Bill
Consuming less energy can be hard when you spend most of your time at home. But there are other simple and more common ways to cut your electric bill. The methods below complete over 100 ways to save electricity.
7. Conserve Water Usage
Your electric bill is affected by your water usage if it comes from a pump or well. Water pumping is made possible by using electricity. Therefore, the more water you use means more electricity is being consumed. Hence, the higher your electric bill can go.
There are a lot of ways to conserve water (relevant to electric water-powering). For one, you should be conscious of the running faucet when you brush your teeth, shave, wash your hands or dishes. Second, it will be great to encourage people at home to reduce their shower time because every minute they cut back from their bath time will help you save energy. Third, you might consider installing low-flow showers to minimize the water flow. Lastly, look for leaks present in your faucet, shower, toilet, or other pipes to prevent water waste.
8. Turn Off Unused Appliances
Having your appliances on even when you are not using them is one of the biggest mistakes you can make if you are trying to save electricity. Make sure to turn off your devices when you are finished using them to avoid unnecessary power usage. Once you are done watching favorite shows on television, turn them off immediately to save energy. Do not wait for anyone to do it.
9. Unplug All Unused Devices
Plugged-in devices can still consume electricity when not in use. The energy costs for this can build up when you let almost every appliance in your house be connected to power sources while sitting unused.
Building the habit of unplugging machines can help reduce your energy expenses and prevent devices from being damaged. This is also a preventive measure to avoid electrical surges.
10. Turn Computer Off When Unused
It’s a big error not to shut down computers or laptops after use. Leaving them in sleep mode will allow background apps to continue running. This can consume unnecessary power and even harm gadgets’ batteries. Break this habit and shut down your devices when not in use. It will let you become more energy-efficient. Also, it can lessen your expenses by extending the lifespan of your devices.
11. Turn Off All Unused Lights
Turning off lights can save a lot of electricity. This is especially true when your light bulbs are energy-inefficient and when they produce large amounts of heat. Doing this can save you money. It can extend the light bulb’s life, limiting the need to buy new ones.
12. Replace Lights With LED Version
Unlike traditional incandescent lights, LED lights consume 75% less energy. This type of diode light allows the efficient use of electricity and produces a negligible amount of heat. LEDs also tend to have longer lifespans than conventional lights. Hence, using them could keep your electric bill low and allow you to save more money.
13. Replace Sensor Lights with Solar-Operated Ones
Some lights may be able to operate by solar power alongside also turning on through movement sensors.
Solar sensor walkway lighting is now widely utilized because it’s energy-efficient. Likewise, solar-powered security lights used at homes are eco-friendly. They do not contribute to your electric bill, which helps you save energy.
Depending on the brand, a single light has excellent coverage and can illuminate a narrow area. Investing your money here will provide more security around the home, not to mention the discount on power consumption.
14. Make Use of Task Lighting
It’s best to turn off chandeliers and other ceiling lights when task lighting is enough to light up your working area. This action could allow you to save five bucks a month or more by turning on either your lampshade, table lamps, desk lamps, or track lighting as a substitute.
15. Wash Clothes Only As Full Load
It’s wiser to schedule laundry regularly and to wash clothes in bulk. The machine will consume the same amount of water and electricity in every use. That’s why it’s better to fill it up, let it run as a full load, and consolidate to save time, water, and energy.
16. Wash Clothes With Cold Water
Washing with cold water will cut your machine’s energy consumption by half. Yes, that’s a big cut in the electric bill. Doing this can also help preserve the quality of your clothes.
17. Air-Dry Clothes With No Dryer
Air-drying clothes has many benefits. For one, it utilizes natural energy sources, which lessens your electric consumption. Air-drying here is not only good for the environment but the fabrics’ condition as well. Air-drying results in fresher and more fragrant-smelling material. It will also allow you to skip fabric conditioners and maintain the fabric’s quality.
18. Right Amount of Drying Load
If air-drying is not possible, make sure to put the right amount of load in your drying machine. An over-occupied dryer can take a longer time to dry clothes. Thus, place the proper amount of load before turning it on to save time and electricity.
It is also advantageous to place your dryer in an area that is warm and dry. A dryer set in a damp area will consume more energy in drying your clothes.
19. Take Advantage of Warm Dryer
It’s better to switch loads right away to take advantage of the warm dryer. In this way, you can use the remaining heat present in it. This will save energy since your next cycle will utilize the existing temperature on the appliance. Also, it’s better not to put soaked clothes directly into it. Squeeze them first to save electricity.
20. Separate Lightweight from Heavy Clothes
This is a strategic way to save time when using your dryer. Lighter-weight garments will allow you to save energy by spending less time with the drying process. The best thing to do then for heavy-weight fabrics is to air-dry them. Sorting clothes will help it work efficiently.
21. Select Lower Dryer Heat Settings
Most advanced drying machines have advanced options which allow you to customize the settings. One of these is the heat option. Whenever possible, lower the heat in your dryer to use less electricity even in extended cycles. This action prevents over-dried clothes, which may affect the quality of your fabrics.
22. Select Extended Spin Option
Allowing your washer to run at high speeds will draw out a tremendous amount of moisture from your clothes. Extended spin cycles will also reduce the time needed to dry your clothes.
23. Select The Cool-down Option
This option will let your clothes dry off by using the remaining heat in the dryer, which can help save power and money. Some dryers have this option instead of running the heat continuously.
24. Select The Moisture Sensor Setting
Use the moisture sensor option if your dryer has one. This feature will immediately turn off your machine once your clothes have dried, which will lessen energy use and prevent clothes from being damaged because of too much drying. It’s also possible to add sensor strips to detect moisture levels, which can automatically stop the cycle when integrated into your appliance.
25. Don’t Select The Extra Rinse Option
It’s ideal not to surpass the appropriate amount of detergent in the machine with every wash. Excess soap will require you to rinse your clothes several times. You can skip the extra rinse cycle if you place enough soap.
26. Clean Your Dryer Filter
Just like any other appliance, the dryer needs maintenance too. One great way to let it run smoothly is to clean the lint filter regularly. All you need to do is to become mindful of it. Doing this will result in the efficient use of energy. The build-up can hamper the flow of air inside if this is kept unclean.
27. Try Using Dryer Balls
Adding dryer balls can cut the time it takes for your clothes to dry. These can let the air circulate more freely, retain the heat, and prevent laundry from clumping. This will accelerate the drying process resulting in lesser energy consumption. Using them can naturally soften your fabrics without the use of chemicals.
There are different types of dryer balls. But the best type to use is the wool variant. This kind is eco-friendly since it’s biodegradable compared to the ones made with either rubber or plastic.
28. Replace With an Efficient Washing Machine
Once your old washing machine doesn’t serve its purpose anymore, replace it with an energy-saving type. There are many varieties available in the market, so pick the one that will give you the best savings. Choosing the right one will help you save time, money, and effort.
29. Get Rid of The Electric Dishwasher
While energy-efficient dishwashers are available in the market, the energy consumed can still be high. Just consider that these devices use hot water and are used several times a day. Let your hand-washing power reign if you have extra time and want to save money (although your kids’ effort would serve well too).
30. Run The Dishwasher With Full Load
There is nothing more wasteful than running your dishwasher with a small load. This is the same concept with running your washing machine every time you have dirty clothes.
Washing a full load will help you save money and time because the dishwasher will use the same amount of water and electricity no matter how many items you put in it. This is the reason why some recommend running such appliances at night when your dishes have piled up.
31. Wash Dishes With Cold Water
Washing with cold water should also be applied to dishes. Most of the energy consumed by the dishwasher comes from the need to produce hot water. You should practice washing the dishes with cold water to save energy.
Sanitation comes in many ways, so find cheap alternatives to cut your electric bill! Besides, it’s the dishwasher liquid that cleans things up, not necessarily the water temperature.
32. Let Dishes Dry Naturally
In almost any appliance, the process of heating or cooling is what makes your electric bill expensive. The good thing about most dishwashers is that they allow you to skip the heat-drying option. Letting your dishes and utensils dry off naturally will liberate you from the excessive power consumed. So skip the “hot dry” setting on the machine.
33. Minimize Oven Usage and Utilize Microwave
It’s more economical to use a microwave than an oven. A microwave will typically take less time to heat compared to a range. Also, the former doesn’t contribute much heat to the house, which can significantly impact the temperature of air present inside the house.
34. Turn Oven Off Right Away and Keep Closed
It is better to turn your oven off before cooking completion. Depending on your dish, put it off minutes before finishing because the remaining heat inside the oven can still cook your food until it is well done. Also, refrain from opening your oven door and use the light instead to check on your food.
35. Crockpot, Slow Cooker, or Pressure Cooker
A more efficient way of cooking food is by using a crockpot. It usually consumes lower energy, and it’s safer to use since the temperature inside doesn’t get that high. Other energy-efficient alternatives for an oven are either a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. These two can automatically stop cooking when the food is ready to serve.
36. Use Thermos or Vacuum Flask
It’s best to transfer hot water from the kettle to the thermos to avoid heating water repeatedly. No matter what kettle you use, whether stovetop or electric, using this container allows savings. For example, you could estimate the amount of hot water you will drink in a day and boil it at once.
37. Use Gas-Operated Stove
Compared to electric stoves, gas-operated stoves use about three times less energy. They may also allow faster cooking since heat or temperature control is more manageable and instant. These stoves are more versatile for different cooking modes, and they are matched with many kinds of pans and pots. Indeed, choosing more energy-efficient stoves will let you save money.
38. Have Matching Pan and Burner
If you already have installed electric stoves, make sure your pans and pots fit the burner size to save electricity, as this action will prevent the wasting of heat. Besides, this will allow faster heating since the temperature will be evenly distributed.
39. Cover Pans and Pots When Cooking
It would help if you covered your cooking device when cooking to maximize the heat produced. This lets you use less electricity because you will achieve heating in less time.
40. Turn Burners Off Right Away
It’s better to turn your burners off to make use of the remaining heat. This can lessen your energy consumption, especially when you cook a lot.
41. Don’t Defrost Food in Microwave
Defrosting food in the microwave is one way of wasting electricity. This action is especially true for frozen meat. Transfer ingredients stored in the freezer to the fridge before cooking. Also, let them stay outside the refrigerator for hours to reduce the amount of time needed to heat up in the pan.
42. Cook Food in a Large Batch
Cooking in large batches is more beneficial if you live with the whole family. The amount of electricity required for preparing food several times a day will be huge if every household member cooks his or her food separately.
43. Use The Appropriate Cookware
Different cookware have different heating capacities. If you are using induction stoves, iron pots are generally best to use. Other materials such as steel, aluminum, and glass don’t conduct heat very well. On the other hand, glass and ceramic cookware are more ideal when using an oven. These materials can retain more heat and can cook food faster.
Besides, it’s best to choose the appropriate cooking pan that matches the amount of food you are cooking to heat it more quickly and save energy.
44. Keep Oven and Stove Away From Refrigerator
Heat-generating appliances such as an oven can affect the performance of your fridge. This is more likely to happen when placing your oven or stove near the refrigerator. Your electric bill can go high when the cold temperature competes with the hot circulating air because your fridge will tend to work harder. You can add insulation foam between these appliances if you have a small kitchen space.
45. Keep Your Refrigerator Closed
Another way to help your refrigerator and save energy is to keep it closed. This measure will prevent hot air from entering and maintain the efficiency of your appliance. This move is also important in keeping your food safe and not prone to spoilage.
46. Keep Fridge and Freezer 75% Full
Too much or too little occupancy is not suitable for your refrigerator. It’s recommended to keep your fridge 75% full to maximize energy. It’s also believed that cold absorption is more effective when there is more food inside, allowing air to be contained appropriately.
Don’t over-fill your fridge. Having too many items may lead to the blockage of vents. You would not like this to happen as it may damage the fridge and increase your electric bill.
47. Use The Ice Trays
If you have a high-tech refrigerator, it’s wise to turn the ice maker machine off. This built-in ice maker can contribute up to 10 kilowatts or more to your monthly electric consumption. If you need ice and want to save energy, it’s best to use ice trays instead.
48. No Hot Fridge Food
Let your food cool first before storing it here. The heat produced by hot food will make your appliance work harder to maintain the low temp inside. It’s also better to let food cool off some for health reasoning.
49. Use Chest Freezer Instead of Main Freezer
While main upright freezers are more visually pleasing, chest freezers are cheaper to use. Chest freezers have airtight lock mechanisms that keep low-temperature levels with less energy. Your situation may allow this possible alternative.
50. Defrost Your Refrigerator
All types of refrigerators will require defrosting at some time. Defrosting has many benefits. It allows your refrigerator to work more efficiently, which can avoid wasting energy and reduce the cost of running such an appliance. Doing this will also remove smelly odors caused by the presence of microbes.
51. Keep Fridge Coils Clean
You must remove the accumulated dirt and dust on refrigerator coils to maintain normal functioning, which will help your appliance effectively release heat. It will also extend the device’s lifespan.
52. Don’t Depend on Seasonal Appliances
Heaters and air conditioners (ACs) are one of the most significant contributors to high electric consumption. It takes a lot of energy to have an area warm or cool. If you want to save a lot of electricity, you should encourage every household member to find alternatives to feel more comfortable with the changing weather.
Wear soft and comfortable clothes when feeling hot to avoid overusing the AC. On the other hand, when the low-temperature season comes, wear thicker jackets and blankets to prevent dependence on the heater.
53. Surround House With Trees and Plants
Planting trees and plants around your house will be one of your biggest investments. This may even be done free, yet it can provide fantastic effects. A single tree can hold a great amount of heat at some distance. The shade provided can make your house cooler, which will allow you to use fewer fans, ACs, and other cooling appliances.
These can also absorb other gases, which may pollute the air. Certain indoor plants are natural humidifiers. Owning such will lessen the need for electric humidifiers, which contribute to your energy consumption.
54. Make Your House Light-Colored
Choosing light paints for your house has some sound effects. Bright color paints allow light to be efficiently reflected. You may not need to turn on your lights when the sun is present.
55. Keep All The Doors Closed
When you use the heater or AC, you would not like hot or cool air escaping, so make a habit of closing all doors to prevent this from happening. Always remind people to shut the doors to maintain the air temperature inside the house.
56. Circulate Air Through Ceiling Fan Usage
Installing ceiling fans is an excellent step to have better air circulation. It can lower your electric consumption by creating a wind-chill effect and by lowering the level of humidity. This can make your house cooler and reduce the work of an AC or heater.
Putting these things around the house can really have a great long-term effect on saving money! If your local climate allows for more of these, the AC can be skipped altogether.
57. Seal All Doors and Windows
It’s best to look for spaces in windows and doors to avoid air from leaking. Your HVAC can consume a lot of energy if there are areas that allow air to blow outwards. This step will result in better insulation.
58. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
One reason for high electric bills is old and inefficient devices—research energy-efficient devices before replacing worn-out ones. Look for the energy efficiency rating (EER) for you to have smarter decisions.
Nowadays, almost all electric equipment has energy-saving alternatives. For televisions, it is advisable to choose LED types. LED TVs can help you save more than 50% of energy, especially when you binge-watch TV shows.
On the other hand, refrigerators with converter technology are more efficient than conventional units. Also, choose the right size to prevent wasting energy. Procuring one will let you save up to 50% less electricity. The same goes for washing machines with inverter technology.
Make sure to check the EERs when you need to get new appliances.
59. Put Appliances in Power-Saver Mode
The power-saver option is present in almost any device. Your phone has it, your fan, AC, oven, washing machine, dryer, and many more. Choosing this option can give some slack on electric consumption.
60. Don’t Overuse The Appliances
If you want appliances to last longer, let them rest for a while and don’t overuse them. Overused devices are prone to damages which can cause heating up and consuming more electricity than their regular operation.
61. Watch Television Together
It’s a family event to watch movies or TV shows together. This is not only good for your mood but for cutting your energy consumption as well. Just make sure to agree on what to watch!
It is also recommended to choose the right TV size that suits your needs. This is because bigger sizes consume more energy. You should also consider your viewing distance from the appliance to have the best choice when buying.
To save more electricity, it is advisable to dim your TV screen. In this way, you can enjoy your viewing time with low power consumption. Get to the menu’s brightness setting to control this.
62. Take The Time to Disconnect
Spending much of your time surfing the internet, watching vlogs, playing video games, and staying on social media will let your electric bill increase to a great extent. If you allow yourself to reconnect outside the virtual world, you will gain more quality time and undoubtedly reduce your electric costs.
Check out some inexpensive phone options if you’re into saving as a single individual. Lowering this bill can really add up on savings.
63. Lower Brightness Level on Gadgets
Perhaps you have the phone, laptop, or tablet going much of the time. One way to save energy and preserve your gadget’s life is to lower the brightness level. You could also do this on your television and other devices.
64. Run Maintenance on Electric Devices
One of the best ways to conserve energy is to keep your appliances well-maintained. Malfunctioning devices can consume more power than they are supposed to. Ensure that they are free from damage to ensure energy-efficient use and avoid dangers that worn-out appliances may bring.
65. Hire Regular Professional Maintenance
In most cases, cleaning and repairing appliances would require the help of a professional. Doing it on your own may pose some dangers because dealing with electricity is a serious thing. Every penny that you will spend to help major devices sustain excellent condition is worth it.
66. Know the Non-Peak Hours
Some energy provider companies offer programs to reduce electric bills by utilizing electricity during off-peak hours. It will be wise to be aware of the pre-defined peak and non-peak hours to know which part of the day leads to consuming expensive energy. Generally, non-peak hours are set during the night because most people have less demand for electricity during this time.
This alternative energy pricing scheme is usually offered for businesses to improve efficiency in their working operations.
67. Utilize Other Renewable Energy Sources
There are other renewable energy sources that you may use aside from solar power. But their availability usually depends on your location. If you live in an area with a considerable amount of air, you might consider installing small wind turbines for your electric system. These are applicable in residential areas. Sometimes, governments even give incentives for it.
68. Check Attic, Basement, and The Roof
For better insulation and ventilation, you must check your roof, basement, or attic to repair any damage that may be present. Preventing air leaks will help your HVAC system to work more efficiently.
69. Close The Fireplace Damper
When you are not using your fireplace, have your damper closed to avoid warm air from escaping. Fireplaces have either standard or electronic ignition. Usually, the latter may end up being more energy-efficient since it only allows burning when it’s on. It’s easily controllable and won’t mean the AC is needed if going too far for some guests, for example.
70. Don’t Use Some Energy-Saving Devices
Some energy-saving devices come in many types: plugs, cards, or stickers. However, these ESDs have no proven reducing power on your energy consumption. In contrast to what commercials show, these devices can cost you more and are considered potential safety hazards. They cost some money and take more power than what they’re worth. Research their power usage before buying these.
How To Save On Electric Bill In Summer
When summertime comes, it’s common to depend on a cooling appliance to feel more comfortable. But overindulgence will make you consume a considerable amount of energy, which will make your electric cost high and will not help you enjoy the heat. Here are some tips to prevent these scenarios from happening.
71. Stay In The Shaded Areas
It’s best to stay under the trees and in shaded areas during hot seasons. Trees provide significant cooling effects that will let you forget it’s summer. They also offer fresh air, which will make you feel lighter when there’s so much humidity present in the atmosphere and will cut your dependence on ACs all day long.
72. Use Some Light Paint Indoors
Using light paints such as neutral whites during the summer season will allow better light reflection. Rooms won’t seem to trap vast amounts of heat in this way.
73. Go Outside From Time to Time
Staying inside the house all day while surfing the internet is a big waste of electricity. The summer season gives us the freedom to bask in the sun and get some vitamin D and seaside fun, so go outside the house!
74. Do Few Outdoor Activities
Instead of relying on electric devices for entertainment, being active and doing some sports is better to enjoy the summer heat. This is also a great way to disconnect and unplug all gadgets and take some pauses from social media.
Nothing beats the happiness caused by released endorphins from the joy of running or hitting the tennis ball! Try to select some outdoor activity you enjoy and can make more a habit of doing.
75. Avoid Indoor AC Laziness
Opt to stay inside the house? Take the time to clean and to be productive. Lying in bed all day with the AC on will only make you feel lazy and pay a high electric bill. The summer season lasts for a few months so take advantage of it!
76. Use The Blinds or Drapes
To minimize the entry of sunlight and warm air, install blinds or drapes on your window, which will help to contain cool air inside the house and lessen the energy consumed by air conditioners.
77. Match AC Horsepower With Room Size
Matching your air conditioner horsepower (HP) and your room size will maximize the efficiency of your appliance. If you have a big room and a small unit, it will work continuously to cool the entire area. Meanwhile, a small room with an oversized unit will lead to way too much cooling power for your appliance.
Remember that ACs are great contributors to electricity bills, so avoiding these things can cut your electric bill in half during summer.
Another thing to consider in choosing the right HP is the amount of sunlight that enters your room. You should pick an AC with lower horsepower if your space is heavily shaded and a higher setting for a room directly hit by sunlight. This can help the cooling process to be more efficient.
Also, you should consider the number of occupants in the room. More people mean more bodily heat being generated, so it is wise to select a unit with higher horsepower.
78. Clean ACs Regularly and Replace Filters
Conditioners that function with dirty air filters will take more power to work correctly. Perform or schedule a maintenance check-up on your appliance to save a lot of energy before summertime comes. Air filters that are in good condition will permit normal and efficient airflow. This will lessen the energy needed to cool your house.
79. Keep The AC Within Cool Place
An AC placed in an area with direct sunlight will consume electricity by 10% or more. Install your unit in a shaded area and away from appliances that can serve as sources of heat.
80. Use An Energy-Efficient AC Unit
Using energy-efficient ACs will result in the elimination of excessive power consumption. Compared to regular units, these types of ACs will help cut energy costs and save a lot of money.
81. Turn AC Off With Non-Usage
When you leave your house, be sure to turn off the AC. Keeping your AC on when no one is using it will significantly increase your electric bill. Besides, overused appliances are prone to having short lifespans.
82. Set Thermostat Level as High as Possible
One of the best practices to cut your energy consumption is setting your AC’s thermostat at the highest temperature level you are comfortable with. Letting it operate at the lowest level upon turning it on will not result in quicker cooling of your room but will only cost you more energy and money.
83. Fans Rather Than an AC Unit
Use fans whenever possible to lessen your energy consumption. But in case you have ceiling fans, these can help to circulate cool air around the house. Just turn it off when the temperature inside reaches equilibrium.
84. Run Your Ceiling Fan Counterclockwise
Ceiling fans can make the rest of your room cooler because they can efficiently let cool floor air blend with the temperature above.
Another brilliant way is to run your ceiling fan in a counterclockwise direction, which creates a downdraft effect that lets your room feel cool by pulling cooler air and maintaining the cool breeze.
85. Set The Appropriate Fan Speed
The faster fan blades rotate, the more energy consumed. Don’t let your appliance work too much, and set the speed level that suits your cooling needs.
86. Clean The Fans Regularly
The quality of air produced by fans depends on the motor’s blades and grills. Remove dust that accumulates in these parts to prevent the obstruction of airflow. Unclean fans can lead to heating up and will use more electricity.
87. Open Windows During Night
It would help if you kept your windows, blinds, and drapes closed during the day to prevent the entry of heat from the glazing sun. In the evening, hot air becomes replaced by cool air. That is why some recommend placing a fan near the window, letting cool air move inside the house.
88. Cook by Grilling Outdoors
Grilling and preparing food outdoors is exciting and helps you save energy. It is one way to enjoy the summer heat. Unlike indoor cooking, the heat generated will not interfere with your HVAC system. Second, of course, there is no stove usage whatsoever.
89. Wear Soft and Comfortable Clothes
Wearing fabrics made up of cotton helps you stay calm and feel more comfortable during hot days. This will help you tolerate hot and humid weather because this type of cloth allows heat to escape easily.
How To Save On Electric Bill In Winter
The electric cost during this season is almost double. Studies show that people consume more electricity during winter than summer. One thing that contributes most to energy consumption is the simultaneous use of different warming appliances, resulting from people tending to spend more time inside the house. But there are still remedies! Here are some ways to save on one’s electricity bill during the winter months.
90. Let Sunlight Enter House During the Day
Open your window blinds and drapes during the day to let natural light enter your house. This will help your house feel warmer and for your HVAC system to use less energy. Besides, feeling the sun helps improve your mood during these dark days!
91. Run Your Ceiling Fan Clockwise
Running your ceiling fan in a clockwise direction at reduced speed is best during winter. This creates an updraft effect which helps recirculate warm air inside. This can help you save energy by maintaining high levels of air temperature.
92. Use Holiday Decoration Alternatives
Elegant holiday decor may consume a lot of electricity. But these things help us appreciate and feel the holiday seasons. To minimize the cost of holiday decorations, it’s best to use energy-efficient lights such as LEDs.
Also, avoid turning on multiple lights to save energy. If the light decorations are enough to light the house, leave other lights off.
93. Lower Heater Thermostat
Set your heater thermostat to the lowest degree possible. Every degree down can help lower your monthly electric expenses. Try to begin with a low-temperature level when you turn it on. Just like a car’s engine, this will give your appliance some time to function better, avoid overheating, and work with less energy.
94. Use Energy-Efficient Water Heater
No doubt that running the water heater is one of the biggest contributors to a high electric bill. That’s why it is best to choose energy-efficient units to minimize the cost of energy consumed.
Also consider solar-powered heaters, which are available in the market. These types can cut your electric bill by half. You can also receive incentives from the government for installing such devices.
95. Use a Smart Thermostat Device
It will be better to use a smart thermostat device to regulate your heater’s energy consumption. It’s a good investment because it can cut your electric bill by half. It can program itself and work automatically based on household activity. There may also be provided a good feature that allows you to control the appliance wherever you are.
It is debatable which is more efficient – letting the heater on all the time or shutting it off when not in use. A smart thermostat device will let you have your own schedule. Doing so can lead to having the heater consume less energy and work more efficiently.
96. Use Some Storm Windows
Installing storm windows is not only beneficial during winter but also in the summer season. These windows help prevent the movement of air in and out of the house. Investing in such things will minimize the costs for either heating or cooling your home.
Most of the time, this type of window is more beneficial than double-paned glass because the former allows improved air-sealing. This feature helps retain heat better, and these are also more resistant to damage.
97. Repair All Spaces and Cracks
To avoid leaking, you must repair any cracks present in the wall, doors, windows, ceiling, or in any area of the house. Doing this preventive measure will let you save energy by preventing air leaks that can affect the functioning of your heater.
98. Use Some Dark Paint
Unlike light paint, dark paint absorbs light and heat better. The darker the color is, the more heat it can absorb. It’s been known for some time that darker paint can make your house warmer by absorbing sunlight rather than reflecting it.
99. Insulate The House
Proper insulation allows for better heat containment. By insulating your home, less heat will escape, which helps your heater function efficiently since warming the air won’t take too much work. This will help you have a significant decrease in your electric bill.
100. Insulate Any Outlets
Outlets not thought about before can let warm air out if left uninsulated. Consider open spaces you may not be aware of, performing a walkthrough of the house. Insulating your outlets with the use of foam gaskets, for example, may help prevent air leaks. This step allows you to save energy and maximize airflow.
101. Generate Heat Through Wood
While electric heaters have become more popular these days, nothing beats the ambiance provided by wood fireplaces. Generating heat with wood is old school but has several advantages. For one, it doesn’t require electricity, so it helps you lower your electric bill. Second, it can still work during power outages. Third, this can be utilized for cooking.
Just remember to use the correct type of wood to maximize the generation of heat and, at the same time, minimize smoke production.
102. Insulate Your Water Tank
If your heater works with a water tank, it is good to keep it insulated during winter. This action will help your heater to work more efficiently.
103. Use a Tankless Heater
If possible, it’s better to use tankless heaters instead. These types are more energy-efficient, especially when you are currently using an old water tank. Traditional tanks heat your water every time it cools, even when water is not used. They tend to consume a lot of energy during this repeated heating.
104. Minimize The Fridge Usage
Isn’t it ironic to spend energy to chill something when you are surrounded by ice? During winter, you must take advantage of the weather and aim for your running fridge to consume minimal electricity. It will be cost-effective to utilize the low temperature provided by the season. It requires some effort, but it will be worth it to see a big cut on your bill!
During the winter season is when a smaller-sized fridge comes in handy. If one prefers many hot foods, less cold things are needed. And if a smaller fridge is preferred, why not through the year? It’s really up to the individual.
105. Exercise For Heat Generation
The cold weather should not stop you from being active. Exercising will help you generate some heat. This will allow you to feel warmer and keep from experiencing chills. You should put on several layers of clothes when you sweat to avoid freezing.
Exercising during winter has several advantages, which include boosting your immune system and granting good blood flow. This measure will help you save electricity, feel happy, and burn fat!
Whew! That’s it. Hope this big list of 100 ways to save electricity has helped.
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