“As the temperatures begin to change it’s a great time to get some reminders on how to save on energy, or maybe even pick up a few new tips.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team 

Just because temperatures begin to rise drastically, your electricity bill doesn’t. Learn simple ways to lower your bill and use electricity wisely this spring.

Looking for ways to save money on your electricity bill? Who isn’t?! Lucky for you, springtime is the perfect excuse to start fresh and change some of your old habits. Here are eight of the easiest ways to save money on electricity that you can start implementing today.

1. Use heat-generating appliances at night.

That goes for ovens, dishwashers, washers, dryers and any other appliances that may heat up the house. Also, check with your utility company to see if there are off-peak times when using appliances can earn you discounts on your electric bill.

2. Think, “Small scale, big impact.”

Speaking of heat-generating appliances, have you ever thought about using a slow cooker or pressure cooker instead of the oven? These small appliances can cook amazing meals, all while cutting down on the amount of electricity used and keeping your kitchen nice and cool.

3. Adjust your washing habits.

Most clothing items do just fine on the cold-water wash setting. Likewise, do you really need to dry everything in the dryer? Take advantage of this fabulous spring weather and let your clothes air dry. The amount of energy it takes to air dry? Zilch.

4. Set the water heater temp to 120 degrees.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a heater that is set to 140 degrees or higher can waste $36 to $61 a year, just by maintaining the temperature. Even worse, it can waste more than $400 to bring fresh water up to that temperature. We bet you won’t even notice the change in temperature.

5. Turn on those ceiling fans.

They’re there for a reason. If you keep the air circulating in your home with your ceiling fans, your A/C won’t have to work as hard. Just make sure the blades are turning in a counterclockwise direction to keep the cool air flowing downward.

6. Unplug.

No, we’re not talking about your cell phone. We’re talking about that alarm clock in the guest bedroom that hasn’t been used in years. And the lamp over the piano that’s never switched on. In fact, it doesn’t hurt to do a nightly sweep through the house to ensure all unused devices and appliances aren’t wasting precious energy.

7. Close up shop.

In the areas of the house that aren’t used, that is. Simply close the vents in those rooms, so the air flow can be redirected to the areas of the house that you’re actually inhabiting.

8. Replace the air filters more often.

 Instead of replacing the filters every three months, consider switching them out every month. That will ensure your air conditioner isn’t slowed down by inefficiency. Want to save even more? Invest in a reusable filter.

It pays to know how to save money on your electricity bill. If you want to save on other household expenses, too, read up on ways to conserve water, as well as how to stretch your grocery budget.

Originally Published by American Home Sheild