Your utility bills likely take up a good portion of your household budget. With food, housing and other prices on the rise, you’re probably staying conscious of where your money is going—and want ways to cut some costs. Some small changes in your routine can make a big impact on your electric bill, helping you save thousands over the years. Plus, you’ll create a more comfortable indoor environment and extend the lifespan of your home’s appliances and HVAC system. Here are some easy ways to reduce your Long Island home’s electricity bill so you can spend your money wisely.
5 Easy Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill
Request an Energy Audit
A great place to start is with an energy audit. Many utility companies can send a professional inspector—sometimes for free—to identify potential inefficiencies in your home such as: faulty window seals, leaky ductwork, insufficient insulation, energy-draining appliances and more. Best of all, the inspector will suggest fixes for them. They often recommend solutions you may not have considered before, so check with your local power company for details on how to schedule an audit.
Unplug Energy-Draining Appliances
Some household appliances consume electricity even when not in use, adding hundreds of dollars to your electric bill over the course of the year. Devices like your TV, microwave, coffee maker, gaming consoles and phone chargers drain power even when they’re not on. Unplugging them or leaving them plugged into a power strip that you can switch off puts dollars back in your pocket every month.
Use Less Hot Water
Heating water requires a lot of energy, so cutting back can make a sizable dent in your electricity and water bills. You don’t have to take a cold shower every morning, but cutting down by a few minutes can reduce your hot water consumption. Here are some other ways to reduce your water usage:
- Wash your clothes in cold water: This will clean just the same and prevent shrinking, fading and wrinkling
- Run appliances only when necessary: Wait until the washing machine and dishwasher are completely full to start the cycle
- Turn down your water heater: Most water heaters default to 140 degrees. Lower it to 120 degrees for potential savings of up to $400 a year—plus, you won’t even notice a temperature difference.
- Invest in a tankless hot water heater: By only producing water as needed, you only pay for the water you use and not what’s sitting in the tank.
Opt for a Dishwasher Over Hand Washing
Cleaning your dishes by hand uses significantly more water than a dishwasher. Unfortunately, not all dishwashers use cold water to rinse. Most modern, energy-efficient dishwashers only use a few gallons of water with each cycle and default to using cold water to reduce costs. Like with your washing machine, only run the dishwasher when it’s full to maximize your savings.
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Air filters keep dust, dirt and other particles out of your home’s airflow. Dirty filters make your home dustier and require your air conditioner to work harder to get cool air into your spaces, driving up costs. It’s recommended to change your air filters every 60 to 90 days to keep your home clean and your HVAC system running efficiently. If you don’t notice a change in your electric bill, it may be time to call a professional for more robust maintenance of your heating and air system.
Extra Benefits of Lowering Your Electricity Bills
Understanding your energy consumption and implementing strategies to lower your utility bills can lead to several other benefits. Putting energy-efficient measures in place can increase the resale value of your home if you ever decide to move. Modern appliances also reduce indoor air pollution helping keep you and your family healthy while enhancing indoor comfort and the longevity of your systems. Plus, doing more to conserve energy means you’re doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Increase Your Energy Efficiency with Window World of Long Island
If you’re interested in a long-term method of lowering your bills, you may need to look at your home’s exterior. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows, doors and siding from Window World of Long Island can help you save hundreds if not thousands every year on utility costs. Contact us today to request a free estimate and see how our experts can help.