7 Easy Tips For Cutting Down On Your Electric Bill This Fall

Your electric bill has likely seen a steep spike each autumn season. This year will be no different since you’ll be spending more time at home.

If you’re looking to prevent this from happening, there are some very simple energy-efficient steps you can follow to cut down on your electric bill and save your money.

At its core, energy efficiency is the same as energy conservation. But efficiency has more to do with using technology in a way that it consumes less energy and gives you the maximum output.

Pick A Different Electricity Supplier

If you live in states where electricity is deregulated, you have more than one electricity supplier to pick from!

Each state will have different electricity rates – the Illinois Electricity Rates, for instance, will differ from the rates in Massachusetts.

Each electricity supplier will also have different plans, and your local utility company will also differ depending on where you are currently residing.

A few electricity suppliers are also known to provide various benefits to the consumer, so make sure to check with them as well.

There are several things to keep in mind while picking an energy supplier – the electricity rates, tariffs, delivery charges, cancellation fees, early termination fees, etc.

Keep Yourself Warm

Cranking up the heat during sweater weather means your house has to work twice as hard to keep you warm, raising your power bills exponentially.

But you don’t have to compromise on keeping yourself warm to save money. Add insulation around your house and use heating blankets and pads so that you don’t have to adjust your thermostat this autumn.

Keeping yourself warm and comfortable this fall will ensure that you don’t turn the heat up in your house, thus saving energy and utility bills. Go for comfortable wool sweaters and socks.

Wash Your Clothes In Cold Water

You could argue that washing your clothes in hot water is more effective in keeping them clean. But unless your laundry is dirty or has stains on it, cold water will do the job just as well.

Moreover, washing in cold water is known to maintain the quality and colors of your clothes as well.

By washing your clothes in cold water this fall, you will certainly be able to save up on energy that would otherwise be spent in heating the water.

Monitor Electricity Usage At Home

One of the simplest ways to significantly cut down on your electric bill is to be mindful of the consumption right at home.

You don’t need to spend any time or energy in this process – it can be achieved by simply being more mindful of energy usage at home and reducing unnecessary wastage.

For instance, when you’re leaving a room, even if it is just for a couple of minutes, turn off the lights. Soon enough, it will turn into a useful habit that will help significantly cut down your electric bill.

If you’re doing laundry, for instance, do a full load. This will help not only cut down on energy usage but also on water usage inside your homes.

You can try several ways to make your home more energy-efficient-swapping light bulbs with LEDs is one tried and tested method to do this.

Set The Right Temperature

Your fridge comes with a tiny little thermostat that helps regulate the temperature inside. Depending on the weather outside, you can adjust the thermostat, so it isn’t too hot or too cold inside the refrigerator.

Similarly, setting the right temperature for your water heater this fall – less than 120F – and turning it down whenever you are out of town will help reduce your utility bills.

Water heaters in homes contribute to more than 10% of the total energy usage.

If you are using an old water heater, it is recommended to use a water heater blanket to ensure that the temperature does not fluctuate, thus increasing energy efficiency and saving you precious money.

Unplug Electronics That Are Not Being Used

If you were to take a quick look around your home right now, you would likely find at least two appliances that are not being used, yet are plugged in.

It is a commonly known fact that plugged appliances draw electricity even if they are not being used.

In fact, statistics available with the US Energy department show that 25% of energy consumption by home appliances can be attributed to appliances that are switched off and not in use but plugged in.

Even the charger you use for your phone can suck in electricity when not in use. So, make sure you unplug all home appliances that are not being used-this includes your television and even your video game console.

Other home electronics known to draw energy even when switched off include printers, computers, microwaves, and even a few small night lights.

Invest in a power bar, so that when you switch it off, the electric supply to all of the other appliances that are plugged in is also automatically cut off.

Use Only Natural Light During The Day

We all know the importance of getting some sunshine once in a while. Why not bring the sunshine home?

With more people spending time inside their homes, turning to natural light can not only help in saving energy and money but can also be refreshing.

There are some simple ways to bring more natural lighting in your homes- ensuring none of the windows are blocked, use mirrors in strategic positions of your home to ensure that natural light reflects off of it.

Conclusion

There are various deals provided by different states nowadays, like the one you find with Texas Electricity Rates. Be sure to choose a plan that best works for you, and always remember to compare prices.

Other ways to cut down your electric bill this fall include investing in energy-efficient home appliances. The US Environmental Protection Agency certifies appliances that meet a certain efficiency standard.

Using home appliances and devices that are certified and have a high rating will ensure you save as much energy as possible and cut down your utility bills.