When it comes to your energy bills, every little bit counts. Here are some simple ways you can slash your electricity costs.
Many people can save money on electricity bills by reducing their usage during peak hours. Some utilities offer real-time rate plans that allow you to pay less per kilowatt during off-peak hours.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat is one of the most efficient methods of reducing energy costs in your home. Modern digital programmable models offer more control over energy usage and are often reasonably priced.
If you’re using a traditional model with a dial and want to upgrade, be sure the new thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system. Then, consult a professional to ensure the installation is done correctly.
Electricity companies Houston have time-of-use pricing policies, which means certain hours of the day are more expensive than others. To cut back on your electricity use, try to avoid using appliances during peak hours. For example, take shorter showers and wash and dry your clothes at night when electricity rates are lower. Consider replacing your light bulbs with energy-efficient options with the ENERGY STAR label. This small change can result in saving up to $75 per year.
Turn Off Your Lights
Turning off your lights is one of the most effective ways to save energy. Plus, reducing electricity consumption helps reduce carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change.
The amount of money saved by switching off a light bulb for one hour depends on the wattage of the bulb and your electricity price. For example, a 40-watt incandescent light bulb will use 0.04 kilowatt-hours of electricity during that period. This will cost you approximately 0.4 cents at your electricity rate.
If you have a smart meter, switch off lights during peak hours to save even more money on your bill. Also, consider reducing your “always-on” electricity by unplugging devices that don’t need to be plugged in all the time (like coffee makers and chargers) or using smart power strips. Moreover, many energy companies offer electricity plans with off-peak pricing so you can save on your electric bill while doing good for the environment.
Install a Dimmer Switch
A dimmer switch increases or decreases the electricity going to a light bulb. This allows homeowners to create a wide range of settings between full and off, so the lights are only turned on when necessary. This reduces energy consumption and costs.
Dimmers can reduce the energy output of a bulb by up to 50%, depending on the setting. This can help save money on electricity bills and increase the bulb’s lifespan.
Adding a dimmer switch is easy for a qualified electrician to install. It can be installed in the place of a standard light switch or in addition. The electrical wires are connected through the same opening as a traditional switch, and dimmer switches can be used with incandescent, LED, halogen, or fluorescent bulbs. However, before installing a dimmer switch, it is important to have a lighting plan on hand.
Install a Smart Thermostat
When properly used, smart thermostats can save you on your energy bill. Unlike older programmable thermostats, these devices learn your household’s habits to optimize home comfort and reduce energy usage. They also allow you to adjust settings remotely through your smartphone, and some models offer geofencing technology. Some smart thermostats can also assist your city’s AC Summer Saver program during peak energy use.
The savings from ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats may differ based on your home’s climate, occupancy, and characteristics. On average, these thermostats can help you save up to 8% on your heating and cooling expenses, which translates to about $50 per year.
Most smart thermostats feature tools to track energy usage, such as a dashboard or graph showing electricity use over time. These can help you identify areas where additional efficiency upgrades can be made. Some models may also alert you to replace your air filter, reducing energy consumption even more.
Install Energy-Efficient Appliances
There are many ways to save on your electricity bill, from turning off lights and unplugging appliances to using energy-efficient models. However, installing energy-efficient appliances in your home is the most effective way to reduce energy consumption. Energy-efficient appliances consume less energy, saving money on electricity bills and reducing greenhouse gasses.
Moreover, they also produce less waste and are cheaper to operate. Energy-efficient appliances are designed to be more durable and have a longer lifespan than standard models. Moreover, they can help you save on your water bills too.
While the upfront cost of energy-efficient appliances may seem high, they can pay for themselves over time. Besides, energy-efficient appliances can help prevent air pollution and other harmful greenhouse gases from harming the environment. It can also help you to preserve natural resources such as clean water.
Balance Electricity Use
Many power companies offer electricity plans encouraging you to use less energy during off-peak hours. These programs can help you save on your energy bill by providing incentives like lower rates, rebates, or discounts.
Electricity systems work hard to balance demand and supply. This is done using historical records and advanced computer models to predict how much electricity will be needed at a given time. However, unexpected spikes in demand can cause a surge in electrical usage that could overload the system and lead to power cuts.
Did you know that electronics can consume energy even when turned off? These devices are energy vampires and can drain hundreds of dollars from your wallet yearly! To tackle this issue, consider installing a smart plug or power strip that automatically turns off these power-hungry devices when you are away from home.