How to Lower your Electric Bill Throughout the Year

Implement as many of these tips as you can, and say goodbye to outrageous electric bills!

Are your utility bills too high? It can happen to anyone, no matter how diligent you are at turning off the lights. Here are a few ways to lower your electric bill and possibly save hundreds of dollars a year!

Turn off the heat dry option on your dishwasher

Using the heat dry feature on your dishwasher has a significant impact on its energy usage. Turning this feature off will save a decent amount over the course of a year. To make sure my dishes are fully dry, I run by dishwasher after dinner, let it fully cycle, and open the door before going to bed (or leaving for work). This allows the dishes to get more air and thoroughly dry.

Unplug things

This really is a “duh” kind of statement. However, many people do not do this. If you aren’t using something, unplug it. If you’re not using your phone charger all day, but use it at night, then unplug it all day. Plugged in items, even when not in use, will use electricity and it can add up over the course of a year.

To help in unplugging things, you can purchase devices that will plug into your normal two plug outlet and turn it into 6 plugs. You can then unplug this entire device when the items aren’t being used. They also have super handy outlet adapters that simply have an on/off switch!

Keep lights off

This one is another no-brainer, however, many people use lights all day long. If it is sunny outside, or the room has enough light, try to keep the lights off. At night, try using an LED energy star nightlight instead of a lamp or overhead light. It will save money and create a softer light, which may also help you fall asleep.

Get blackout curtains

Install blackout curtains to keep out the sun, especially in the afternoon on hot days. In my house, the afternoon sun hits my kitchen, and it’s significantly warmer during that time of day. Blackout curtains have helped tremendously!

Fix leaky windows

Even in a home with decent windows, there can still be leaks. This will make both the air conditioner and the heat run more. A window sealing kit is incredibly affordable and will more than pay for itself in the long run!

Change your filter

Many people don’t even know how to do this, but your filter can fill with dust quickly, making it work harder to heat and cool your home. During the summer months it doesn’t need to be changed as often, but during the winter months, you should change this filter every two weeks to avoid dust build-up and allow your heater to run efficiently.

Purchase energy star appliances

Over time you will need to replace your appliances. These will use less energy in a variety of ways and over time will save you a lot of money on that electricity bill.

Lower the temperature

Lower the temperature of both your water heater and the thermostat (or turn it up in the summer). Just a few degrees can have a significant impact on your electric bill.

Cook outside

In the summer months, cook outside instead of using your kitchen appliances. The hottest part of the day is late afternoon, which is right around dinnertime. Your air conditioner is already working overtime to keep the house cool, so try to avoid turning on the oven if you can. A grill will cost a little more upfront, but you don’t have to get a fancy one. Ours was about $150, and we use it all the time. Avoid charcoal grills to save on having to buy charcoal repeatedly.

Use a slow cooker

Keeping your oven off as much as possible can add up to big savings. Slow cookers use very little energy and are a great way to make a whole meal in one pot! If you need dinner on the table quick, use an Instant Pot!

Get audited

This might be the only kind of audit people actually want! In most areas, local utility companies will come out and do a free home energy audit to their customers. They will identify your problem areas and give you advice for reducing your energy usage.

Use LED light bulbs

LED bulbs will cost more out of pocket up front, but you’ll pay less per bulb and save a ton of money in the long run! Fluorescent bulbs, in particular, are extremely energy efficient and last a long time.

Dry the old-fashioned way

That’s right. Hanging your clothes out to dry will not only save you money, but your clothes will thank you for it. Line drying is a great way to remove odors and is more gentle on your clothing.

Use power strips

Did you know that many devices that use electric in your home never fully shut off? That means they’re constantly using electricity and impacting your bill. Using an energy efficient power strip eliminates idle energy by cutting off the current when the devices aren’t being used.

Use an app

Is there anything a smartphone can’t do? Download one of the popular energy saving apps to help track and reduce your in-home energy usage. Some of the most popular ones are: Energy Cost Calculator, Kill-Ur-Watts, Light Bulb Saver, Energy Tracker, Energy Saver, and Ohm Connect