12 Simple Ways To Lower Your Electric Bill

The best way to dramatically lower your electric bill is to make the switch to solar energy. Whether you use a grid-tied system or an off-grid solar system, you’ll see a substantial decrease in your monthly utility bill.

If you’re ready to make the switch to solar, click below to get started!

If you aren’t quite ready to install a solar energy system in your home, there are still ways to lower your electric bill.

In The Kitchen

Your kitchen likely is the room in your house that has the most appliances. Use these tips to run your kitchen more efficiently.

Dishwasher

It might seem counterintuitive, but running your dishwasher instead of hand-washing your dishes actually saves water…up to 5,000 gallons per year!

Run your dishwasher at night instead of during the day, as it can minimize the energy demand during peak daylight hours.

Refrigerator

Keep your fridge and freezer full when you can, as it will take less energy to keep food cold and/or frozen.

Check your refrigerator temperature and keep it from 36-38 degrees to avoid having it run too cold and increase your energy usage.

In The Laundry Room

Making your laundry room more efficient will not only save you money on your energy bills, it is also an important way to keep your home safe.

Washing Machine

By washing your clothes in cold water, you save energy by not having to heat the water first. Studies show that cold water gets your clothing just as clean and can actually help them last longer.

If you can do your laundry at night, that can help you save by running your washing machine during off-peak energy hours, the same way running your dishwasher at night does.

Dryer

Keeping your dryer’s exhaust clean not only helps it run more efficiently and dry your clothes faster, it removes lint buildup that can be a serious fire hazard.

Use dryer balls instead of dryer sheets. Not only are dryer balls more environmentally friendly, but they help your clothes dry faster by keeping wet clothes in contact with hot air created in your dryer.

Throughout Your Home

These last few tips can apply in nearly every room of your home and can make a serious impact on your monthly utility bill.

Lighting

Switching the light bulbs in your home to LEDs, which use 80% less energy than traditional light bulbs. Also consider installing dimmer switches in your home, which allow you to use only as much light as you need.

Unplug Unused Appliances

Your appliances can still use electricity while they’re turned off. One of the easiest ways to make sure your appliances aren’t still running up your electric bill is to use power strips as often as possible. 

That way you don’t have to unplug cords throughout your home, instead just flip the power strip off when appliances in your home aren’t in use.

Windows

Use window shades in the summer that are designed to keep cool air in and heat out, that way your air conditioning won’t constantly be running.

In the winter, do the opposite and make sure your windows are clean, allowing natural sunlight into your home to gently heat it whenever possible.

There are so many ways to reduce your energy use at home. No matter where you live, there are simple ways you can drop your utility bill by being more conscious of your energy usage. 

If you aren’t sure where to start, contact your local utility provider and request a home energy audit. These are often free and can give you a clear picture of where your home could be more efficient.

Advanced Solar Is Here To Help

Have questions about how switching to solar energy works and how it can drop your utility bills? We’re here to answer your questions and help you find the best solution!

This blog post was originally published in 2021 and has been updated to include the most relevant information.