It’s the end of the month and you get your electrical bill in the mail (or online). You open it to notice your bill is 25% higher than normal. Unfortunately, this is a relatively common occurrence in households across America with skyrocketing utility bills. In fact, it is estimated that the average homeowner spends at least $115 a month on electricity, with some states like Hawaii having much higher utility rates of closer to $160 a month.
However, as the use of energy-efficient appliances and home upgrades have become more mainstream, homeowners are now able to have better control over their utility costs. But, if you notice your bill increasing by more than 10% each cycle, here are the top 3 things you can do now to save money.
Unplug unused appliances.
It’s commonly believed that unused appliances don’t use electricity. This isn’t true. And sometimes, even if they are in the “off” mode, they still consume electricity around the clock. Although this off-consumption is much less than when the device is being used, every little bit can add up quickly. This also applies to turning out lights and turning off televisions that are not being used throughout the day
Good to Know
It’s commonly believed that unused appliances don’t use electricity. This isn’t true.
Wash your clothes in cold water.
We often don’t think about the amount of energy that’s needed to warm the water in our homes. From the hot water in the shower to hot water in the kitchen sink, to hot water you may use to wash clothes, these all require energy. Turning the water temperature down when you wash is an easy way to shave off a few bucks each month.
Get a programmable thermostat.
Is your air conditioning or heat running around the clock? If so, you’re burning through a lot of electricity. We all want to be comfortable in our homes, but with a programmable thermostat, you can adjust your home’s temperature to use less energy, especially during hours when you’re not home.
Conclusion.
In addition, if you have not invested in energy-efficient appliances, now may be the time. Whether it’s upgrading your dryer, your windows, or even adding more insulation to your doors and windows, these are all ways that can help to decrease your home’s energy consumption.