The average family spends more than $100 per month on their energy bill. And though this likely isn’t your largest bill, those monthly charges add up over time!
Rather than spending over $1,000 per year on your energy bill, you could be putting it in savings or spending it on something enjoyable for you and your family. Low utility bills might feel out of reach, but saving electricity is easier than you think.
To learn a few tips for decreasing your electric bill costs, just keep reading!
Request an Energy Audit
The first step toward lower energy bills is to learn where your costs are coming from. To do this, give your electric company a call and request an energy audit!
Most companies offer this service free of charge. A representative will come to your house and inspect the windows, doors, HVAC unit, etc., to determine where your home is using (or leaking) the most energy.
Use Power Strips
Did you know that most modern appliances and electronics continue to draw power after they’ve been turned off? This is because they never actually turn off, they simply enter a low power mode, making them easier to turn back on later.
As convenient as this is, it also has more of an impact on your energy usage than you might think. Because of this, using power strips can be a huge help.
Instead of plugging things directly into the wall, plug them into power strips, then turn the strips off when you aren’t using them. Goodbye energy vampires!
Change Your Habits
Sometimes, the answer to how to make utility costs low is as simple as adjusting your habits. How often do you leave the lights on when you leave a room? Wash your clothes in hot water?
Small, seemingly insignificant choices can make all the difference in terms of your energy bill.
For the next month, make a point to turn everything off, including lights, when you leave a room. Also, wash your clothes in cold water only (it cleans just as well), and set your thermostat a few degrees lower or higher. You’ll be amazed by the drop in your electric bill costs!
Upgrade Your Home
Thus far, we’ve talked about simple, inexpensive changes you can make. And though the next few are an investment, they’ll pay for themselves with the decrease in your energy bills.
First, swap out any incandescent bulbs for LED or CFLs. These not only use less energy but last far longer than traditional bulbs!
Additionally, consider switching your old appliances for energy-efficient options. You don’t have to do this all at once, but as each appliance reaches the end of its lifespan, replace it with an Energy Star model.
And if you live in an area where you’re able to do so, take the leap to solar power! Blue Raven Solar is the fastest growing solar company, and for good reason. They can help you make your astronomical energy bill a thing of the past.
Improve Your Home by Lowering Your Average Energy Cost
Though it will take time and effort, making these changes in your home will not only lower your average energy cost but make your home a better place to live as well! You can feel good knowing that your home is energy-efficient and that you’re doing your part for the planet.
The best part is, you can use all the money you used to put toward your energy bill on something more fun!
For example, why not use it to make even more home improvements? Take a look at our blog to learn more about making positive changes to your home!