As electricity rates continue to rise in, saving money on your monthly electric bill should be one of your top priorities, especially if you live in an apartment or condo that can’t make major changes to the building’s electrical systems. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save money on electricity at home without having to make a lot of changes—and in some cases, without having to spend any extra money at all!
Saving electricity can be as simple as turning off the lights when you leave the room or switching out your old appliances with new, energy-efficient models and an affordable solar panel cost. However, there are more ways to save electricity and therefore money at home than you might expect—ways you’ve probably never even considered before!
1) Use CFL Lights Instead of Traditional Bulbs
Traditional light bulbs are becoming a thing of the past. Not only do they use more electricity, but they also cost more money in the long run. CFL bulbs use less electricity and last much longer, making them a great choice for your home. You can find these bulbs at most hardware stores or online. Even if you purchase one traditional bulb every few months, it will still end up costing you way more than purchasing new energy-efficient ones! Running appliances on power strips doesn’t save energy because the power strip itself is always on. In fact, some power strips have individual circuits that allow them to be turned off completely when not in use. Don’t leave appliances plugged into power strips 24/7 because this will quickly add up and cost you a lot of money!
2) Replace Power-Hungry Appliances with Energy Efficient Ones
One of the easiest ways to save electricity is by replacing your old, power-hungry appliances with new, energy efficient ones. Newer models of refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers use less electricity than their older counterparts, so upgrading can make a big difference on your energy bill. If you can’t afford to replace all of your appliances at once, start with the most energy-intensive ones like your fridge and washer/dryer. You’ll see the biggest savings on your bill this way.
3) Check Your Voltage
One way to save electricity is by checking your voltage. This can be done with a voltmeter, and you want to make sure that your voltage is between 110 and 120 volts. If it’s higher than that, you’re using more electricity than you need to and you could be overpaying on your electric bill. On the other hand, if it’s lower than 110 volts, your appliances may not be working as efficiently as they could be.
4) Cut Down on Air Conditioning and Heat Usage
Did you know that air conditioning and heating can account for up to 50% of your home’s energy usage? In the summer, try setting your thermostat a few degrees higher than usual. In the winter, lower it a bit. You can also save electricity by using a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re not home. Another way to reduce your air conditioning and heating usage is to make sure your home is well insulated.