We’re always looking for ways to reduce our energy bill. Reducing your energy bill can help to pay off debt, save for a vacation or simply add to your savings.

Even though it seems we’re stuck in an endless cycle of high energy bills, that doesn’t have to be the case. There are multiple steps you can take that can have a dramatic effect on your monthly energy bill. Let’s take a look at some steps you can make to lower your monthly energy bill without feeling the pinch.

Here are our 15 tips for lowering your energy bill.

  1. Let Your Clothes Air Dry

Now this first tip won’t necessarily work in colder climates or during the winter months, but it can add up, even if you only use it during warmer weather. Instead of running the dryer, hang your freshly washed clothes on a clothesline and let them air dry. The smell of line dried clothes will also be a bonus.

  1. Energy Efficient LightbulbsUse More Efficient Light Bulbs

In recent years normal light bulbs have given way to the more efficient and environmentally friendly compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and LED bulbs. As the technology has evolved, the price has come down drastically in recent years and the longevity of these bulbs make them worth the investment. The other upside is these bulbs are much more energy efficient than regular light bulbs, meaning you’ll use less energy, reducing the cost of your bill.

  1. Replace Your HVAC Filter Monthly

Changing your HVAC Filter will improve airflow, making your unit more energy efficient. Also these filters can be found on Amazon for a fraction of the price in brick and mortar stores.

  1. Install Ceiling Fans in Every Room

Ceiling fans are a great way to help ease your energy bill. They use far less energy than an A/C unit or furnace, thus helping keep energy cost down.

  1. Do Your Chores at Night

Did you know that utility companies charge different rates depending on the time of the day? Energy that is used during “peak hours” cost much more than other times of the day. Therefore if you need to run your dishwasher, washing machine or dryer, plan to do it later at night when the energy costs are cheaper.

  1. Add Dryer Balls to your Dryer

Dryer balls are inexpensive wool balls that can be used to decrease the drying time of your clothes. As an added bonus if you use them you can also skip fabric softener, saving you even more money.

  1. Make Adjustments to Your Thermostat

Did you know by moving your thermostat up or down a few degrees you can save hundreds of dollars each year? It’s true, by adjusting your thermostat just a few degrees you can rack up savings, especially if your entire home uses electric heat.

  1. Unplug Lamps and Appliances When You Aren’t Using Them

Lamps and other appliances still pull power, even when not on. Getting in the habit of unplugging appliances and lamps when you aren’t using them can save you money. To make this easier you should plus your appliances and other devices into a power strip and just unplug it when it’s not in use.

  1. Use More Efficient Shower Heads and Faucets

Conserving water is important, not just because it keeps your energy bill lower but it’s also the right thing to do for the environment. A low flow shower head can push out a lot less water without a decrease in water pressure and is relatively inexpensive. You also have the option of purchasing a shower head with ShowerStart technology. It is a larger investment but will conserve water while waiting on the shower to warm up and then alert you when it’s ready. The cost of these shower heads are higher than a regular shower head but the cost can be recovered in just a few months of savings on your bill.

  1. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable Thermostats are growing in popularity and for good reason. Setting the thermostat to stay lower during the day when you aren’t home can save you big time on your energy bill.

With today’s technology you can save even more energy with a smart thermostat that learns your schedule, such as the iComfort Wi-Fi Thermostat by Lennox. This Thermostat actually connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network, which allows you to adjust your home’s temperature and control it’s energy cost from anywhere, using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. It can even use the GPS in your phone to help detect changes to the preprogrammed schedule so that it can help find even more savings in your energy bill. Call Comfort Systems in the Wichita Kansas area for more info on this amazing thermostat.

  1. Only Wash Clothes With Cold Water

A super easy way to save money is to wash your clothes using only cold water. Cold water requires less energy to wash your clothes, saving you money on your energy bill.

  1. Upgrade to More Modern Appliances

As your appliances break down over time, consider replacing them with newer, more energy efficient appliances. You can also qualify for tax exemptions for these purchases, saving you even more money.

  1. Turn Down the Hot Water Heater

Water heaters are frequently set to a much higher level than needed. The general rule of thumb is if your water isn’t being heated over 120 degrees, you will save energy.

  1. Make Sure Your Home is Sealed Tight

Making sure your home is properly sealed up will help you save money on heating and cooling cost. Cover drafty windows during the winter months, installing weather stripping around doors, and adding insulation pads to go inside your electrical outlets will go a long way toward keeping your energy cost down.

  1. Talk to Your Utility Company

It can be well worth your time to reach out to your utility company and see what cost savings programs are available to you. Some companies even install remotely controlled thermostats that are set to turn off occasionally. You won’t be able to tell the difference, except when you open your energy bill and see the savings.

Saving on Your Energy Bill Doesn’t Have to be Hard

As you can see there are a variety of simple, no or low cost changes that easily lower your utility costs. Some of these changes can require a bit of an investment such as installing a programmable thermostat, upgraded shower heads, or new appliances but these investments can pay off in the long run. Make any of the changes above and you’ll be surprised at the money you save!

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