Practical Ways to Save Money On Your Electricity

If you like all of these great freebies and deals, make sure you sign up for my newsletter.  

There are several ways to save on your electricity bill.  Most of them can be done quickly, and can have a huge effect on your bills.  Start by making one or two small changes at a time.

1. Call your energy company, and ask them to do an energy audit.  Most of them will do one for free.  If not, check around, maybe with the library or a community outreach center, to see if you can find someone that will do it for free or for a low price.  An audit can help you figure out some quick and easy ways to cut your energy bills.  Some fixes may cost more but can save you in the long run.  You don't have to make all of the changes at once.  Start small, and make changes as possible.
2. You should change your temperature settings.  For heating, you shouldn't put your thermostat any higher than 68.  At night and when you aren't home and , put it even lower.  If you put your thermostat 10 degrees lower for 8 hours or more a day, you could save up to 10% (or more) a year.  To make this easier (and to see clearly what it is set on) install a programmable thermostat.  If you get cold, put on a sweater or wrap yourself up in a blanket.
3. Check your air filters.  Your system will have to run more and harder if your air filter is dirty and clogged up.  A couple of dollars for a new filter could save you loads of money in the long run.  Make sure your vents are clean while you are at it.
4. Unplug appliances, devices, or any other item that is not in use.  Phantom electricity in your home could be costing you plenty.  You might even get one of the surge protectors that turn off electricity to items when not in use.  They stop phantom electricity usage.  Here is one that I found on Amazon - TRIPP LITE TLP76MSG Eco Green Switched 7 Outlet Conserve Energy Surge Protector.  It may cost a couple more dollars but will save you money in the long run.  You can find more by searching surge protector phantom electricity or surge protector green.  I have 2 of them right now, and plan on getting more.  I don't have to remember to unplug items, especially in hard to reach areas.
5. Instead of turning on a light during the day, open the curtains and/or blinds during the day.  It just irks me when the hubby or my daughter turns on a light, and you can't even tell the light is on.  It is brighter from the sunshine coming in than from the light.  Why spend money on something you can get for free?
6. Check for drafts and air leaks.  Before we got our new windows, I put plastic over the windows to take care of drafts until we could afford new windows.  If you have a draft at your door, you could use a towel or make a little stuffed draft animal to put at the door.  I know you have probably seen those little animals or pillows to help with drafty doors.  Of course, you could probably put a new seal around the door, too.
7. Add insulation.  We did this about 2 years ago.  It made a huge difference.  We added insulation in the walls, and under the house (our house is off the ground).  I would like to add some more to the attic but we will have to wait a little bit longer until we get some more money.  You can check out the Department of Energy's Insulation Fact Sheet for more information on insulating your home.
8. Put a timer on your water heater or turn off when not in use.  I actually flip the switch at the breaker on our hot water heater when we don't need hot water.   You will still have some hot water when it is turned off.  Whatever water is in the hot water heater before turning off should stay hot/warm for at least a couple of hours.

I hope you can use a few of these tips.  What simple tips have you used to save money on your electricity?

This post may contain affiliate links. You may check my disclosure page for more information.