Our electric bills can skyrocket in the winter since we have the lights on longer since the days get shorter or if our heat is run on electric. But there are certain measures you can take to keep those costs down.
Here are 15 ways you can lower your electric costs:
1) Know Your Usage
Have an energy audit performed on your home so you can find out where you are using the most energy. This will help you to conserve energy where necessary.
2) Pay As You Go
Some utility companies offer a plan that lets you play for estimated usage over a 12-month period. So, you may be using less electricity than you’re actually paying for. Review your bills and usage and decide if a pay as you go plan is better for you.
3) Make Sure Your Systems Are Running Efficiently
Have your heating and cooling systems checked to make sure they are running efficiently. You’ll also want to make sure you perform maintenance on your systems regularly and do things like setting your electric water heater to the warm setting.
4) Use Apps
Check to see if your utility company offers apps that you can use to track your energy usage and help you find energy savings.
5) Use Motion Detectors
Motions sensors allow you to use light only when people are in the room and prevent the wasting of electricity when people forget to turn the lights off.
6) Use Your Windows Wisely
Leave your windows and shades open during the day to bring in light and warm your home and close them at night to keep the heat in. Also, consider heavier draping in the winter to keep the warmth in or plastic wrap your windows to prevent warmth from escaping through cracks in older windows.
7) Close Your Chimney Flue
Close your chimney flue when you are not using it and consider using a chimney balloon to keep cold air out and warm air in. You can also use insulated tempered glass on your fireplace doors to prevent air from going out of your room and up your chimney.
8) Program Your Thermostat
Modern thermostats allow you to program them so that the temperature can be lowered when no one is home and higher for when you are home.
9) Reverse Your Fan
You can use your fan to push hot air down into your home by using the reverse function on your ceiling fans. This can be activated on most fans by flipping a switch.
10) Fill All Cracks
Make sure you seal all cracks where air can leak in and out of vents, ductwork, windows, fixtures, and doors with caulk, spray foam, or weatherstripping.
11) Insulate
Since heat rises, you’ll want to make sure that your attic is properly insulated so that you can keep heat in. A properly insulated attic can reduce your energy bill by 10 to 15 percent.
12) Bundle Up
Instead of cranking up the heat on the colder days you can just bundle up by getting cozy in a blanket and wearing a sweatshirt, thick socks and layering your clothing.
13) Use Your Dryer Wisely
Your laundry dryers use up a lot of electricity and also give off heat. Try using it to help heat your home. You can fire them up when you need heat in your house like first thing in the morning or when you get home from work.
14) Ask About Off-Peak Times
Some energy companies offer off-peak discounts for electricity usage. Find out if your company does and make sure you’re doing things like running your dishwasher or laundry during these times since doing those things uses up a lot of energy.
15) Switch to Energy Efficient Bulbs and Appliances
Switch out your light bulbs for more energy efficient once and when it’s time to buy new appliances make sure you pick ones that will use the least amount of energy.
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