How to Cut Your Electric Bill: 10 Energy-Saving Tips
It’s a point we’ve hit on many times before: cutting your power consumption is key to achieving energy independence. Whether you’re trying to live off-grid or control your household budget, we want to show you how to cut your electric bill.
Well, potentially half. With the way rates increase so frequently, your year-over-year bill change may vary, even if your consumption drops by half.
Add in the fact that no two homes are exactly alike and putting an exact number on general advice like this is next to impossible.
What we can say is that customers and others who have used these tips have seen substantial reductions their energy consumption, some up to 50 percent.
Perhaps the best part is that all of these tips are achievable for pretty much anyone. We selected them specifically to be either free or low-cost. These are practical solutions for real people with other things to do.
Why Wind & Solar Customers Care About Electric Bills
Last we checked, the breeze and sunlight remain free. So why exactly should our customers—or anyone who relies on wind or solar power—be invested in electric bills?
Several reasons, actually.
Remember that your electric bill is directly related to your electricity consumption. Gauging and controlling your electricity consumption, in turn, is directly related to the system capacity you need to achieve your power goals.
Whether your goal is to go completely off-grid or just to get maximum use out of grid-tied system, limiting your power consumption is a major part of achieving it.
The sun does not always shine, and sometimes the wind is stubbornly calm. While installing a hybrid wind and solar power system can go a long way toward picking up the slack, chances are good that you will still need to keep a close eye on your consumption.
Whether due to limits on your budget or appropriate space on your property, you will eventually hit a point where you can no longer expand your system. These tips are here to make sure that you can hit your power goals before that becomes an issue.
1. Keep the Sunlight Out
By far, the biggest demand on energy in your home comes from your heating and cooling systems. Statistics from the US Energy Information Administration indicate that over 40% of the average home’s energy use goes to heating and cooling.
Given that, many of our tips focus on keeping your home naturally cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
If you can keep the summer sun from coming in, you’ve already taken an appreciable step toward keeping your house cool when temperatures rise.
Hanging blackout curtains can take much of the bite out of hot temperatures, meaning whatever cooling system you use doesn’t have to work as hard in order to keep your space comfortable and safe.
As a bonus, they also reduce noise and offer unbeatable privacy.
Putting the curtains up is a simple process. Other than the curtains, you’ll need a rod, brackets, drill, screws, and a stud finder (or, alternatively, wall anchors appropriate for your wall’s material).
If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can even save some money by getting blackout fabric and sewing a sleeve along the top for the curtain rod to slide through.
2. Line Your Windows
Your windows are one of the main ways heat pours into or escapes your home. If you’re willing to do some light measuring and cutting, thin plastic film can make a huge difference in your energy bills.
Clear plastic film available at hardware stores for a few bucks can be easily installed over windows using double-sided tape and a hair dryer. The result is a nearly invisible barrier that keeps warm air in and cold air out (or vice versa, depending on the season).
If your curtains are keeping your space sufficiently dark, you can install this plastic film and enjoy an immediate reduction in your heating and cooling bills.
Like the curtains, you’ll want to follow these steps for each window you insulate. Pay special attention to any windows with visible drafts, as these will offer the greatest savings after installation.
3. Plug Your Power Leaks
Anytime you have a gap in your home’s envelope, you’re creating a way for outside air to flow in. This means your HVAC systems must work harder to maintain your space’s temperature. Since we’re all about reducing energy consumption, this is a big no-no.
The good news is that there are many simple ways to plug your leaks without spending a ton of cash.
Since leaks can happen anywhere in your home, you’ll need to get up close and personal with your home’s exterior. If you’re not feeling that ambitious, you can also start small. Work from room to room, applying caulk, sealant, and weatherstripping anywhere you feel a draft.
Not only will you reduce your home’s energy consumption, but you’ll also eliminate spots where pests can enter your home.
4. Upgrade Your Appliances
While this may not be the cheapest way to reduce your energy consumption, it’s definitely one of the most effective.
According to the US Department of Energy, the typical family spends more than $2,200 per year on energy bills, with nearly half of that going toward heating and cooling costs. You can save as much as 30% on your energy bills by choosing ENERGY STAR certified appliances.
If you’re concerned about the upfront cost, rest assured that the savings on your energy bills will more than make up for it in the long run. Plus, you may be eligible for rebates or tax incentives for purchasing energy-efficient appliances.
5. Unplug Unused Devices
Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when turned off, a phenomenon known as "phantom power" or "vampire power." To combat this, make it a habit to unplug devices like phone chargers, coffee makers, and toasters when they're not in use. Alternatively, you can use power strips with an on/off switch to easily disconnect multiple devices at once.
6. Seal Leaks and Insulate
Proper insulation and sealing gaps in your home can make a substantial difference in your energy bills. Check for leaks around windows, doors, and ducts. Seal any gaps or cracks with caulk or weatherstripping. Additionally, consider adding insulation to your attic, walls, and floors to improve your home's overall energy efficiency.
7. Adjust Your Thermostat
Heating and cooling account for a significant portion of your energy usage. Lowering your thermostat in the winter and raising it in the summer can lead to substantial savings. You can also invest in a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule.
8. Use Natural Light
Take advantage of natural light during the day to reduce the need for artificial lighting. Keep your curtains or blinds open to let sunlight in. Additionally, consider installing skylights or larger windows in key areas of your home to maximize natural light.
9. Plant Trees and Shrubs
Landscaping with trees and shrubs strategically placed around your home can provide natural shade during the summer months, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning. In the winter, these trees can act as windbreaks, protecting your home from cold drafts.
10. Regular Maintenance
Proper maintenance of your HVAC system, appliances, and other equipment is essential for energy efficiency. Clean or replace filters regularly, schedule annual HVAC inspections, and keep your appliances well-maintained to ensure they operate at peak efficiency.
Conclusion
Implementing these energy-saving tips can lead to a significant reduction in your electric bill. While it may not be possible to cut your bill in half due to various factors, these practical solutions can help you save money, reduce your energy consumption, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
FAQ
How much electricity does the average US household use?
According to 2015 statistics, the average US home uses 10,812kWh a year, roughly 901kWh a month.
What is a kilowatt-hour (kWh)?
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) measures your energy use (check your bill if you have one, you’ll see). A kWh is the amount of energy required to keep a 1,000-watt appliance running for an hour. A 50-watt lightbulb uses 1kWh in 20 hours, a 4,000-watt appliance uses a kWh in 15 minutes.
What heat sources do you recommend that don’t use the electricity grid?
We often recommend our customers pursue a grid-tied system, since heating and cooling is both a necessity and a huge power drain. For those who don’t want to be tied to the grid, a gas-powered heating system is the next safest bet.