With the cost of operating a household constantly increasing, many homeowners are trying to find ways to save money. While some household expenses do not change from month to month others can vary substantially. One of which is the utility bill. Therefore, one of the best ways to reduce the family’s budget is to look for ways to save on the electricity bill. Listed below are 10 of the best tips to save:
Tip # 1 – Pull Out Unused Appliances:
Some people keep everything that they own always on the socket because they may not be aware of the electricity that is constantly being used. This can be a major mistake and a source of many problems today because it causes “standby power” to be used. Standby power can be costly because it adds 5% to 10% more on top of the electricity bill.
Tip # 2 – Use Major Appliances when it is Cool Outside:
Washing and drying clothes in the middle of the day can cause energy consumption to rise in the home. Specifically, on a hot summer day, the air conditioner has to work over-time to cool the home down. For instance, if the homeowner is running the clothes dryer while it is steaming hot outside, the air conditioner has to work harder to keep things cool.
Tip # 3 – Update the Water Heater:
An updated water heater can save as much as 15% annually, especially when the old heater had problems with leaks. So, the water heater should be changed annually.
Tip # 4 – Wash Dishes by Hand:
Even though the quick solution is to use the dishwasher after every meal, the family can reduce their electric bill by washing the dishes by hand. Another option is only turning the dishwasher on when it has been fully loaded.
Tip # 5 – Turn Off Computers and Other Electronics:
Running computers on a continuous basis is also a problem for many households. No one likes to turn off the computer because they do not want to spend the extra time with getting the computer to boot up. However, to save on the electric bill, the family should turn them off when they are not being used. Another suggestion for saving on the electricity bill is using the power save option, especially when walking away for short periods of time.
Tip # 6 – Wash Clothes in Cold Water:
Washing the clothes in cold water instead of hot water can also save money on the electric heating bill because most of the energy used by washing machines goes into heating the water.
Tip # 7 – Limit Clothes Dryer Usage:
In the past, most people hung their clothes on an outdoor clothesline to dry. Today, people may use the clothes dryer to dry one or two items only. Therefore, instead of using the clothes dryer every time, family members should dry them on hangers.
Tip # 8 – Use Fluorescent Lights:
Place compact fluorescent lighting around the home. These lights use less energy and they last for extended periods of time. These fluorescent lighting will save you lot of energy and money.
Tip # 9 – Take a Shower:
Showers should be preferred over baths (less water and energy savings). Showers will save you 40% of water.
Tip # 10 – Use Energy Star Label Appliances:
When replacing old appliances, the homeowner should purchase the appliances that have the Energy Star Label. By purchasing these versions, the person can save on their energy bill and they can take advantage of special green saving incentives.
