No matter where you live, checking your monthly energy bill can feel like risky business. Without tracking your electricity usage, the bill can quickly rack up.
If you’re tired of high utility costs, you may want to take matters into your own hands by investing in things that can save you a ton of money.
In this post, you’ll learn the best ways to reduce your electricity bill and enjoy the added savings you’ll get.
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1. Install Solar Panels
Every day, we’re showered with free energy that can be tapped into – so long as we have the right technology. As renewable energy sources gain popularity, solar panels are becoming increasingly more affordable.
With solar panels, you can achieve complete energy independence. It could make your household independent from the electric grid. And you also get a federal tax credit of 30% up until 2032.
Depending on your budget and energy goals, you’ll want to choose a grid-tied or off-grid system.
2. Change Your Filters
Furnaces and air conditioners use filters that keep dust and dirt out of your home’s airflow. Clogged filters restrict airflow, making the HVAC system work harder to achieve the desired temperature, resulting in reduced efficiency and higher energy consumption.
It’s recommended to change your filter every 90 days for a household with no pets. If there are multiple pets or a person in your home who suffers from allergies, you may want to replace the filter every 20 to 45 days.
Not only do clogged filters increase your utility bill, but they also allow indoor allergens such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander to circulate more freely in your home.
3. Switch to Smart Home Technology
Even setting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% of your heating and cooling bill.
With smart home technology, automate your energy savings by creating a schedule with blocks of time to turn off certain appliances.
Smart home technology also provides real-time insights into your energy consumption, helping you identify energy-hogging appliances or habits contributing to high utility bills. Ultimately, you can make more informed decisions about your electricity usage.
4. Get an Energy Audit
Shrinking your utility bill sometimes feels like an uphill battle – who knows whether their air conditioner, water heater, or other appliances are working harder than they should?
That’s where energy audits can help to reduce your expenses. An inspector will look at your home for potential pitfalls such as inefficient appliances, insufficient insulation, air leaks, and other recommendations. Your local utility company may provide a free energy audit, or you can perform your DIY home energy assessments.
Wrapping It Up
The cost of nearly everything has gone up, including electricity bills. In fact, residential electricity jumped 8.4% between April 2022 and April 2023.
Fortunately, there’s been a groundswell movement to shift to solar energy and more energy-efficient or smart appliances.
While they require some upfront investment, it’s worth the cost-saving advantages over the long term. If you want to slash your electricity bill, consider adopting some of these energy-saving strategies.
