How to Reduce Home Electricity Costs

Reduce Home Lighting Costs

Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. You can reduce lighting costs by up to 70% by making this switch. The only caveat is that only replace bulbs that are normally left on for long periods of times in the evening, e.g. in family rooms. A compact fluorescent light bulb’s lifespan is shortened if it is turned on and off very frequently, e.g. in a bathroom. Also make sure to turn off lights in rooms when leaving them. Finally, replace standard light switches with motion controlled activated switches.

Unplug Unused Consumer Electronics

Televisions, stereos, computers, and cell phone and computer charges all consume an appreciable amount of electricity when left plugged in and turned off. Unplug them or put them on a switched power strip so that with one flick of a switch you can effectively disconnect multiple items from your home’s electrical power grid.

Upgrade Appliances Upgrade old appliances with Energy Star certified appliances to dramatically reduce home electricity costs. New Energy Star refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers consume a fraction of the electricity required by their predecessors. Operate Appliances During Off Peak Electrical Power Demand Times Electric utilities charge by the Kilowatt/hour (Kw/hr) rate. Electric utilities charge significantly higher Kw/hr rates during the day time when there is peak demand by businesses. Consider running the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer in the evenings when the Kw/hr rates are much lower.

Install Skylights

The installation of skylights can eliminate the need for electrical lighting during the day time in dark rooms.

Maximize Use of Appliances

Make sure dishwashers, washing machines and dryers are filled to capacity when using them, so that they are required to operate less frequently. Also lower the temperature settings on heating water for the washing machine and dishwasher. In addition, turn the temperature up slightly on your refrigerator so that it is not quite as cold.

Install Programmable Thermostats Programmable thermostats can dramatically reduce home electricity costs, and even oil or gas costs depending upon you main type of heating fuel. Programmable thermostats can be programmed to have multiple settings throughout the day, as well as weekday and weekend settings. Wrap Hot Water Heater Whether you have an electrical hot water heater or an oil/gas hot water heater, wrap it in a hot water heater blanket to prevent heat loss.

Save on Home Electricity Costs associated with Summer Air Conditioning

Electrical air conditioners consume a massive amount of electricity. To reduce home electricity costs associated with air conditioners set the air conditioners to slightly warmer temperatures. Also, update your home’s windows with double pane, low-E glass, and close blinds and curtains during peak sunlight hours in the summer. Finally, consider planting shade trees to block the sunlight from entering your home during the hot summer months.

Better Insulate Your Home

Make sure your home has adequate wall and ceiling insulation per the Department of Energy’s recommendations for home insulation in your area of the country. Also make sure to caulk around doors and windows to prevent energy losses from the home.