No matter where you are, electricity is crucial to everyday life. It’s used for residential and commercial purposes, manufacturing and transportation, and other industrial enterprises. According to Statista, electricity consumption in the United States in 2021 increased by 2% compared to the previous year, amounting to 3,930 terawatt hours.
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), on average, the monthly electricity bill for residents in the United States increased by a whopping 13% in 2022. If these figures are anything to go by, electricity bills are becoming costly. While electricity has definitely made things much more convenient and effective, there are ways you can cut down on costs and avoid forking out too much money on electricity bills.
1. Take Advantage of Your Windows
Over time, more and more people are becoming conscious of the need to conserve energy. Not only does it significantly reduce your electricity bill, but it also averts the catastrophic impact of electricity waste and emissions on the environment. One of the ways you can reduce electricity consumption in your home is by installing big windows.
They allow natural light to flow into your rooms quickly and heat up your spaces, especially during those cold winter days when you need to feel warm and cozy. If your windows are large enough, you might not need to put on your lights during the day. You can enjoy the natural lighting everyone loves these days. Consider getting a window with a double pane glass design to keep the cold air outside during winter and contain the cool air within your house during the warmer months.
You should also consider investing in energy-efficient windows. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat loss and gain via windows is responsible for 25% to 30% of the energy used for household heating and cooling. With more efficient installations, you’ll enjoy savings on your electricity bill.
2. Use Energy Efficient Appliances
Invest in appliances or technology that utilizes less energy to perform similar functions. This includes LED light bulbs, dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, and washing machines. Instead of drying your clothes using your machine, especially on those warm summer days, hang them out in the sun to dry. Although energy-efficient appliances are more often than not more expensive than standard appliances, it is a great purchase as it saves you more in the long run. Be sure to look for a certified label that guarantees the appliance is energy efficient to avoid being duped.
3. Your Air Conditioner May be the Culprit!
Did you know that three-quarters of all homes in the United States have air conditioners? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, of the total electricity produced in the United States, 6% is used by air conditioners, with homeowners incurring a cost of roughly $29 billion yearly. After conducting an audit on the electricity usage for all appliances in the home, you may realize that your air conditioner is to blame for your high electricity costs.
Remember to put in place safety measures as you handle electrical appliances, and consider bringing on board your local electrician to help you through. For most companies, such services are not usually charged, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs. One of the simplest ways to reduce energy costs when using air conditioners is to ensure they’re installed correctly.
Cheap is sometimes expensive, so ensure the installation is done by a trained technician you can hold accountable if the system fails to work properly. To ensure that your AC performs optimally, keep all windows and doors shut to prevent warm air from entering the room. Remember the large windows we talked about earlier? This may not be the best when the AC is running.
They permit sunlight penetration, making the room warmer and forcing the system to work harder to keep the room cool. Avoid keeping the air conditioner running 24/7 and ensure regular maintenance and servicing of the system. A fan utilizes 10% of the energy a typical air conditioner consumes, so that might be your next best option.
With these tips, you can reduce your electricity bills and channel that extra money to where it matters. You’ll be able to spend those savings on things that really matter. Don’t forget to switch off those lights and other appliances as you leave the house!
