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Like most people today, you might be looking for ways to save on bills needed to keep your house running. It’s hard to change set bills like rent, mortgages, and home insurance policies. But there are some bills that you do have some control over. A great place to start slashing costs is by minimizing your electricity bill.
This guide covers energy-saving and more thoughtful but worthwhile options that you can implement overnight. Don’t be intimidated by making changes that’ll benefit your pocketbook and the environment. Keep reading to learn tips to apply year-round and advice best suited for warmer or colder months.
Year Round Tips
1. Conduct An Energy Audit
Before making any changes to your home, conduct an energy audit. Online auditing tools and apps provide an overall picture of how much electricity your home uses. Review your results to see which areas need the most improvement.
Identifying a few key areas is more manageable than a whole-home overhaul. You’ll likely recognize a few changes that can be addressed to save overnight energy.
2. Use Energy Efficient Appliances
Switching to energy-efficient appliances is a great place to start if you need to upgrade your appliances soon. Energy-efficient dishwashers and clothing washers require less water and electricity than traditional appliances.
Look for an ENERGY STAR label when shopping. You’ll notice a reduction in your electrical and utility bills, as some appliances consume the most electricity in a home.
3. Turn To Renewable Energy
The best way to reduce your electrical bill is to get a new provider. Instead of relying on traditional electrical energy companies, install whole home backup systems with EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generators and EcoFlow Rigid Solar Panels.
Convert sunlight into electrical energy. The Delta series offers battery capacities from 1024 Wh to 25kWh, enough to power a few appliances or all of them. Each solar generator will help reduce your dependence on the grid and your electrical bill.
4. Switch to LEDs
Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are the most energy-efficient light bulbs. Based on semiconductor material, more electrical energy is converted to light rather than heat, whereas traditional incandescent bulbs, based on metal filament, put off more heat than light. LEDs last longer and can produce more lumens while requiring significantly less wattage, saving you money in the long run.
5. Reduce Standby Power
Unplug devices and small appliances when not in use. Many use standby power or phantom load, meaning they draw electrical power 24/7, even when turned off. For example, TVs maintain signal reception with remotes, which is convenient for quickly turning the TV on but requires electrical power.
For Warm Months
1. Replace Shower Head
You may need more frequent showers after the pool, a long day of yard work, or a long summer hike in the summer. Replace your shower head with a more energy-efficient one that reduces water consumption without minimizing water pressure. Less water means less energy needed to heat the water. Also, consider taking shorter showers for a similar impact on your electrical bill.
2. Monitor Windows and Shades
During warmer months, it is good practice to utilize shades, blinds, and curtains on windows, especially when not home. These window coverings help block out the sun, keeping the home cooler. Less electrical energy is needed to cool down the home, resulting in savings.
3. Reduce Heat From Appliances
On hot days, practice cooking smarter. Heating the oven also means heating the home, causing the HVAC unit to require more energy to decrease the temperature. Now, you have a reason to break out the outdoor grill for a night.
Smaller appliances like microwaves, toasters, and air fryers are also good alternatives to the oven—further your savings by powering these appliances with EcoFlow Solar Generators. It’s a good idea to run the laundry and dishwasher during cooler parts of the day when the AC unit is not working as hard to cool the house.
You can also turn off the heated dry feature on your dishwasher.
4. Watch The Thermostat
Only heat and cool the house while at home. Install a smart thermostat to help monitor heating and cooling. With automatic adjustments, you won’t have to worry about what temperature to set. You can also program a schedule to match your daily routine.
Smart technology, like smart thermostats, can result in big electrical bill savings. On cool summer nights, open your windows for natural ventilation. Open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a cross-breeze.
For Cold Months
1. Routine Maintenance
Cold months are the perfect time to perform home maintenance, resulting in long-term energy savings. Service your heating unit annually to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible. Servicing involves cleaning out debris, checking the oil in the motor, and cleaning the coils.
It’s important to replace air filters year-round, especially during heating months. If you’re running more electronics inside during cooler months, switch to energy-efficient power strips.
2. Use Your Solar Panels
If you already have solar panels, use them in the winter months. With Ecoflow’s whole-home backup options, solar generators harvest sunlight and store energy in the battery for use when it’s not as bright outside.
Download the EcoFlow App to monitor and control energy use with the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel. This will also help you during future energy audits by providing an overview of your energy consumption habits.
3. Get An Electric Heater
If you work from home, it might be more efficient to heat only the room you work in instead of the whole home. EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra can double as a whole-home backup solution and power a space heater without relying on the traditional electric grid. Recharge this solar generator with EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel.
4. Seal Any Leaks
Go around the home and ensure all leaks are sealed. If you can feel a draft around doors and windows, they need to be sealed more efficiently. Leaks cause your heating system to work overtime as cold air comes in.
Weather strips are affordable options at most hardware stores. Alternatively, install storm windows, which offer better insulation. Check on insulation in the attic, walls, and basement to ensure it is still preventing heat loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by conducting an energy audit to understand how much electricity you use. Then, identify areas that can be improved. Several affordable, overnight solutions can reduce electrical costs. Or, opt for a more intricate solution by installing solar panels to see a considerable difference in your electricity cost.
The best practice is to improve energy efficiency and utilize renewable energy. Start with small habits like unplugging electrical devices and appliances when not in use, using window coverings, and sealing leaks. Then, power your whole home or just a few major appliances with sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Minimizing your electrical bill does not have to be an overwhelming, impossible task. Take a step in the right direction by starting with an energy audit. Then, start applying small, year-round solutions such as switching to LEDs and unplugging not-in-use electronics.
As the seasons change, look for ways to reduce the toll on heating and cooling systems by covering windows with curtains and sealing leaks around the house. Turn to solar energy with EcoFlow Solar Generators to significantly reduce the cost of electricity. Power your house with sunlight instead of traditional electricity from the grid.