Saving energy is a step that everyone must take to play a part in preserving the life and beauty of our planet. Cutting back on energy usage saves you money and lowers the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, which are contributing heavily to global warming and respiratory diseases. Whether or not it’s important to you to minimize your carbon footprint, everyone can benefit from these small changes you can make to save energy and money. Hack your electric bill with these simple tips.
Change Energy Providers
Just like any product or service, prices will vary. Compare prices of all the energy providers in your area on a utility comparisons website to get an idea of how much money you could save by switching providers. Most companies charge to send you paper bills, so always opt for the digital bills. Make sure you’re aware of how much they’re charging per kilowatt so you do not get overcharged.
Adjust the Way You Wash Clothes
There are several ways you can hack your electric bill just by adjusting the method you use to wash and dry clothes. First, reduce the amount of wash and dry cycles by only doing full loads. Second, use cold water in the washer, unless your clothes are stained, the warm water doesn’t make a difference anyway. Next, use “dryer balls,” which is an absorbent material that helps dry your clothes faster, or you can just throw a towel in, which is just as effective.
Dryers use a massive amount of energy, accounting for one of the biggest energy wasters in the household. If you’re not in a hurry to have dry clothes, then consider hang-drying them.
Unplug Electronics
Over 70% of the energy needed to power electronics while they’re not in use, but are still plugged in, is wasted. When you’re not using your electronic devices, unplug them to minimize wasting energy. Power strips are of great use as well so you can put everything in standby mode.
Use the Dishwasher
It’s actually more energy efficient to use the dishwasher, as more water typically gets wasted when dishes are hand washed. Just switch to using cold water and only wash full loads. Soaking dishes in a little water beforehand can help ensure all caked-on food will come off easily in the dishwasher.
Insulate Properly
All the gaps in the doors and windows of your home can equal up to over a foot of open space. Poor insulation is a big energy waster that doesn’t serve you in any way by having it. You can easily provide better insulation to your home just by adding a few weather strips. Insulating your home is a great DIY project that will benefit your home and your finances.
Optimize Water Usage
With washing machines, dishwashers, and showers, all often using hot water, water usage is the second most energy waster in the household. Here’s a list of a handful of ways you can save energy (and money!) with water usage:
- Wash clothes and dishes with cold water
- Use appliances at night instead of the day (the rates are cheaper!)
- Turn the water off while you shampoo and bathe and only use it to soak or rinse
- Turn down the water heater
- Get a water tank jacket to help insulate warmth
Freshwater is a limited resource. By cutting corners in water usage, you will trim a lot of fat off your electricity bill, and also be a helping hand in preserving the environment.
Plant Trees
Plant trees around your house to provide shade. This will naturally keep your home cool in the summer.
Switch to LED Light Bulbs
LED bulbs are a fourth of the cost and last longer than incandescent bulbs. This is the most classic way you can save energy and reduce your electricity bill.
Reduce Air Conditioner Usage
Turn the AC down at night and slowly turn it up over the span of the day as it gets hotter. If you can, try to keep it off as much as possible and use fans. You can also cross-ventilate your home by opening windows across the house from each other. This will allow maximum airflow through your home.
Individually, these hacks will not reduce your bill by much, but in combination, you can bet that you will see a sharp decrease in your bill. You can also give yourself a pat on the back for doing your part in preserving our beautiful planet.