10 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Electric Bill

No one likes paying for an electric bill, yet if you don’t want your electricity cut off you’re going to have to fork over the money. Learning how to reduce your electric bill is a must if you want to save as much money and energy possible. From purchasing Energy Star appliances to ditching your dryer and instead using a clothesline, there are many productive ways to reduce your next electric bill.

1. Use a microwave instead of a conventional oven. Not only do microwave ovens cook food faster, save space and cost less money than conventional ovens, but they’re also great when it comes to conserving energy. Ditching your conventional oven and instead using a microwave oven is a surefire way to reduce your next electric bill.


2. Purchase Energy Star appliances. More and more green-minded individuals are switching their old appliances to efficient Energy Star appliances. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that Energy Star appliances use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances. Energy Star appliances are usually a bit expensive, yet they’re well worth the cost in the long run as they’ll save you money, conserve energy and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants.


3. Turn your lights off while not in use. By turning your lights off while not in use, you could save up to 20 percent of your total household electricity usage. Keeping your lights off is sometimes easier said than done. Hectic schedules and forgetfulness usually play a key role in whether an individual sticks to this particular tactic or not.


4. Use a dishwasher. Not only will you save time by using a dishwasher, but you’ll also end up saving up to 35 percent less water than washing your dishes by hand. When purchasing a dishwasher, be sure that it’s Energy Star qualified. You can find a reliable Energy Star dishwasher at your local Lowe’s or Home Depot store for an affordable price.


5. Purchase thick window curtains. It’s common knowledge that an air conditioner uses a great amount of electricity, therefore to decrease the amount of times you use your air conditioner you’re going to need to purchase a few thick window curtains. Using window curtains will help keep the hot sun at bay, therefore decreasing the amount of times you’ll need to use your air conditioner.


6. Clean your refrigerator and freezer coils regularly. When your refrigerator and freezer coils get too dusty the compressor has to work twice as hard, therefore using twice as much energy. Keeping your refrigerator and freezer coils cleaned regularly is a must if you want to conserve energy and save money on your next electric bill.


7. Take a shower instead of a bath. Taking a shower instead of a bath is an easy way to conserve water and save money on your next electric bill. If you’re brave enough and want to save as much electricity and water possible, opt in on taking a cold shower. Not only will taking cold showers help you save money on your next electric bill, but they’ll also give you a better complexion and shinier hair.


8. Ditch the dryer and use a clothesline. Setting up a clothesline in your backyard is another surefire way to reduce your next electric bill. It’s common knowledge that dryers use a lot of energy, therefore if you want to reduce your electric bill you’re going to need to ditch the dry and use a clothesline. Not only will a clothesline help you save energy and money, but it will also help keep your clothes naturally fresh.


9. Get rid of your television. While not feasible for all individuals, getting rid of your television is an easy way to reduce your electric bill. A television serves as a great form of entertainment, yet it also serves as a money and energy pit. Not only will you save energy and money by ditching your television, but you’ll also end up saving your precious time.


10. Get a ceiling fan. Regularly using a ceiling fan instead of constantly using your air conditioner is another easy way to reduce your electric bill. Traditional ceiling fans are usually inexpensive and are pretty easy to install. If you’re afraid a ceiling fan will make your home a fashionable mess, look into purchasing a trendy, modern ceiling fan instead of a plain, traditional ceiling fan.

Find energy star qualified appliances at www.energystar.gov.