On average, every American household consumes close to 10,715 kilowatt hours annually according to the Energy Information Administration. This accounts for an average of $117 in monthly electricity expenses, but this varies from state to state. Energy consumption is expected to rise as more homes and offices shift to renewables.
As a homeowner, it’s important to find ways to save more money from electricity bills. Even if it’s just a few dollars each month, these cost savings can accumulate to a large amount over the year. You just need to apply a few easy ways that will help lower your energy spend. Here are a few energy-saving tips you might want to follow.
1. Unplug appliances when they are not in use
This seems simple, but you would be surprised by how much energy certain appliances consume even if you are not using them. Keeping them plugged in not only decreases the life of your appliances but also causes electricity to bleed through. Even in idle mode, appliances can use up “vampire” electricity that snowballs into substantial cost increases. It’s best that you unplug them after use and stop vampire electricity in its tracks.
2. Invest in LED bulbs
If you’re still using light bulbs that have been around for more than five years, consider replacing them with new ones. It may seem impractical, but bulbs tend to consume more energy the older they get. In addition, you may also replace CFL bulbs with LED lighting. Although LED bulbs cost more than CFLs, they are long-lasting and use up less energy. If you haven’t swapped out your current bulbs yet, don’t wait before they burn out. Replace them with LEDs and see a significant drop in your electricity bill.
3. Switch to a renewable power provider
Another way you can reduce your electricity consumption and get big savings on your next bill is to sign up for a renewable power plan. At present, there are a number of utility providers offering solar and wind-based energy plans. If you are in Dallas, for instance, you can look towards a Texas electricity company that offers fixed rate plans starting at $0.12 per kWh. Making this shift will cut your energy spending by a substantial amount. More importantly, you get to do so while you do your part in helping the environment.
4. Rely less on air conditioning
Air conditioning units are notorious electricity gluttons, so you might want to use them less, especially if it isn’t summer. To keep your home cool without having to turn on your air conditioners is to block out sunlight that enters through the windows. Use thick blinds and curtains or you can tint your windows to reduce the build up of solar radiation. You should also set a schedule or a limit to how long your air conditioning unit should be left running.
If your New Year’s resolutions include saving more money throughout 2022, keep these tips in mind and keep your electricity consumption to a minimum.
