Lower Your Electric Bill

During the summer months is when our electric bill soars through the roof.  I am always looking for ways to lower our bill. Here are some ways that will lower it.  Some are costly and involving and some are super simple.  It depends on what you are willing to do to lower your bill.

•  Unplug electric items that aren't in use - a lot of them are vampires and suck energy even when they aren't on!
• Set your thermostat and leave it - set it at 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter.  You could also install a programmable thermostat.
• Make sure that your house is properly insulated.  This could be costly, but if you're planning on living in the same house for a long time it would be worth the extra cost.
• Make sure that your fridge and freezer is full.  When it's empty the appliance has to work harder to cool.  Also look for Energy Star appliances.  They're only mildly more expensive and save you money on energy each year. 
• Try not to place your fridge or freezer in an unconditioned area or garage.
• Wrap your electric heater with an insulated blanket.
• Switch out all of your light bulbs to Energy Star high efficiency compact fluorescent lightbulbs.
• Properly seal ductwork.  Gaps in ductwork can raise your bill as much as 30%!
• Use the oven less during the summer - grilling is fun and keeps it cool inside.
• Hang out your laundry to line dry or use a drying rack.
• Let your dishes air dry in the dishwasher.
• If your clothes aren't heavily soiled washing them in cold water gets them just as clean and saves energy.  Also make sure your loads are full to eliminate excessive washes.
• Turn off your oven a little early and let the heat finish cooking the food.
• Put up solar panels - this is very costly, but once again if you plan on staying in the same place it's well worth the cost.  It could potentially eliminate your electric bill.
• When cooking on the stove make sure you have the lids on to prevent extra heat loss and cook your food faster.
• Use your microwave instead of the oven when you can.
• If you're in the market for a home look for one that has lots of trees covering it.  The shade keeps the house cooler.
• Change your filters regularly.