I didn't know that. I guess I'll unplug it from now on. How bout an electric heater when its not in use?
I didn't know that. I guess I'll unplug it from now on. How bout an electric heater when its not in use?
Im pretty sure if he had Gas utilities he wouldnt be screaming about a high Electric bill..
2 things that account for most of the wasted electricity are
1. HWH....Your HWH has 2 elements (or most do) in over 50% of the 1's ive ckd the bottom element is bad or non functional. May have been this way for years and you will not know it...The tank still heats with just 1 element but at less than half the efficiency......Money down the drain. you can ck/change this yourself for a total cost of less than $25 .
#2...Dryer venting.....stopped up, kinked up vent hoses account for as much wasted electricity as anything...Takes your dryer sometimes twice as long to dry a load. Way to test your vent? Wash 4 towels, put them in the dryer and time how long it takes to dry. Wash same 4 towels again..pull the dryer away from the wall as far as the cord will let you. Remove the vent completely from the back of the dryer...turn it on and time it again..if it drys faster you have vent trouble.........
2 things that account for most of the wasted electricity are
1. HWH....Your HWH has 2 elements (or most do) in over 50% of the 1's ive ckd the bottom element is bad or non functional. May have been this way for years and you will not know it...The tank still heats with just 1 element but at less than half the efficiency......Money down the drain. you can ck/change this yourself for a total cost of less than $25 .
#2...Dryer venting.....stopped up, kinked up vent hoses account for as much wasted electricity as anything...Takes your dryer sometimes twice as long to dry a load. Way to test your vent? Wash 4 towels, put them in the dryer and time how long it takes to dry. Wash same 4 towels again..pull the dryer away from the wall as far as the cord will let you. Remove the vent completely from the back of the dryer...turn it on and time it again..if it drys faster you have vent trouble.........
My new year's resolution is to reduce my gas & electricity use by 20%. A home energy audit showed that my electric consumption is consistently high while our natural gas consumption (for heat & hot water) rises & lowers seasonally. The measures im taking to reduce natural gas consumption is working. For ex. insulation is OK, programmable thermostat, caulking gaps & holes, bumping up weather-stripping, eliminating drafts, etc. You know the basic stuff that really makes a difference. The last 2 months my natural gas consumption has decreased.
The measure we've taken to reduce electric consumption (for everything else) isn't working. So far,
--I have been turning off televisions, etc. by the power strip when not in use
--being more careful about not running lights or electronics when not in a room (my bad)
--79% of my lighting is energy efficient (12 more bulbs & I will be fully compliant)
--I only do full loads in the dishwasher, washer, & dryer (although I'm experimenting with not using the dryer.) I use the dishwasher approx 3 times a week, and do approx 2-3 full loads of laundry a week.
--Our major kitchen appliances are not Energy Star rated. However, after comparing the energy use of our 3-year-old appliances (they came new with our house) to the equivalent Energy Star products we would only save one dollar a year in electricity if we made the switch. In this case, it seems to us to more wasteful to replace these items because there would be a higher use of other energy for transportation, delivery, & old appliance removal than we would gain with replacement. Therefore, our current plan is to keep these items and use them less often.
The measure we've taken to reduce electric consumption (for everything else) isn't working. So far,
--I have been turning off televisions, etc. by the power strip when not in use
--being more careful about not running lights or electronics when not in a room (my bad)
--79% of my lighting is energy efficient (12 more bulbs & I will be fully compliant)
--I only do full loads in the dishwasher, washer, & dryer (although I'm experimenting with not using the dryer.) I use the dishwasher approx 3 times a week, and do approx 2-3 full loads of laundry a week.
--Our major kitchen appliances are not Energy Star rated. However, after comparing the energy use of our 3-year-old appliances (they came new with our house) to the equivalent Energy Star products we would only save one dollar a year in electricity if we made the switch. In this case, it seems to us to more wasteful to replace these items because there would be a higher use of other energy for transportation, delivery, & old appliance removal than we would gain with replacement. Therefore, our current plan is to keep these items and use them less often.
i'm assuming you're all electric, but maybe not. things to do for savings could be not applicable to you, because of your l climate, family size, house layout etc. post some details, as this is a hobby of mine (i'm not green, just cheap). if you don't have a big family, how about an water heater timer for your electric water heater? (they don't exist for gas) . if you live in a predominantly heating area (fla is not...penna is), largest percentage savings are over your head. R-49 in attic (about 14 inches). blow in froom lowes or HD, and they loan you the blower for free. in a heating climate, you may see a 20-35 % yearly heating savings. walls are a long payback. so are windows. forget what guys that sell windows tell you. UNLESS your windows are now single pane without storm windows. then you will get savings. go the the national fenestration site (they're the window mfr. trade group) they show how little you'll improve heating costs if you already have doubles. new windows will save something, but their payback is LONG if you already have double panes. insulate your basement walls. consumer reports has an excellent publication (not the monthly mag, this is a special pub) with lots of good DISINTERESTED party info, based on what we know about the science of this . keep your eye on PAYBACK, not savings, per se. $4000 on windows to save $200 a year is a 20 year payback. $700 for blow in for the attic may save you $300 a year--2 1/2 years. lots of things will save, but what's the payback? get some 2 walled polycarb and make interior storms, even if you have dual panes. pull trim on your windows and check install. are they insulated all around? thats plenty to start.
http://blog.credit.com/2017/03/11-ways-to-save-on-your-shocking-electric-bill-168505/
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</header>Home > Personal Finance > 11 Ways to Save on Your Shocking Electric Bill
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The cost of powering your home and all your assorted appliances and devices can be significant. The price of everything, from running your air conditioner on hot days to charging your phone as you sleep, can add up.
Getting a handle on your electric bill is important. While utility companies don’t typically report payments to the main credit bureaus, missing payments could potentially eventually drop your credit score as they can get sent to collections. (You can check two of your scores for free every two weeks on Credit.com).
But you can significantly reduce the electrical energy your home consumes by taking a few simple steps. Here are 11 ways you can lower your electric bill.
<aside class="callout override new-style" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 35px; padding: 15px 12px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: rgb(236, 236, 236); color: rgb(1, 1, 1); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: center;">[h=4]Free Credit Consultation - Call 844-346-3296[/h]Repairing Your Credit With Lexington Law Can Help You Save MoneyGet Help Now
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</aside>[h=2]1. Perform a Home Energy Audit[/h]Home energy auditors are professionals who come to your home to evaluate your power usage, assessing your home and your past power bills. They’ll look for areas where you can increase efficiency. Many electric suppliers provide this service for free, but you can also find a local paid professional.
When the audit is complete, the auditor can recommend energy-saving methods and products.
[h=2]2. Install Dimmer Switches[/h]The overhead lights in many rooms often provide more illumination than we need. With dimmer switches, you can adjust the amount of light you’re using. Modern dimmers also reduce how much electricity lights use.
[h=2]3. Install Ceiling Fans[/h]Ceiling fans circulate air through your home and can cool you off. While they use electricity, they may reduce the workload of your air conditioner.
[h=2]4. Ward off the Sun[/h]Sunlight coming in through windows can heat up your home and make your air conditioner work harder. You should close the curtains or blinds on your windows when you don’t need them open and consider installing tinted window film. (If heating or cooling your home is the main cause of your high electric bills, here’s how you can keep temperatures comfortable without spending too much.)
[h=2]5. Turn Off Unused Items & Unplug Electronics[/h]Of course, you should shut off all electronics and lights when you leave a room to reduce energy usage. But electronics and appliances can use energy even when they’re turned off.
“Gadgets and appliances like TVs, laptops, coffee makers, printers, space heaters and cable boxes continue to suck energy even when turned off,” said Andrea Woroch, a consumer finance expert. “Get in the habit of unplugging all these electronics and appliances when you aren’t using them. Power strips are an easier and less timely alternative — some even come with a remote control for easier use.”
[h=2]6. Use LED Light Bulbs[/h]LED light bulbs use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs. While LED bulbs can cost more, they have a longer lifespan, so you could save money on light bulbs in the long run.
[h=2]7. Replace Your HVAC Air Filters[/h]Air filters keep dust and debris from circulating through your HVAC system and clogging vents and air registers. Over time, these filters get clogged with dust and debris themselves, and your air conditioning system will have to work harder to cool your home. You should swap your air filters out every few months to reduce the energy needed to regulate your home’s temperature.
[h=2]8. Install a Programmable Thermostat[/h]Programmable thermostats reduce energy costs by adjusting your home temperature when you’re away, at work or asleep. Your energy usage will be reduced because you won’t be wasting electricity cooling an empty home.
“The HVAC system uses the most energy in your home, and running the air conditioner or heater can blow your budget. However, installing a programmable thermostat takes the guesswork out of fiddling with temperatures and allows you to preset temps when you are home or away at work or school so you don’t waste energy,” said Woroch.
Just be careful. “Smart” thermostats are one of a few household objects that might make you vulnerable to hackers.
[h=2]9. Solar Panels[/h]If you’re looking for big savings and energy reduction, solar panels may be the way to go. Typically installed on the roof, solar panels harvest the sun’s energy and convert it into electric power.
“Solar panels continue to improve. The prices of solar panels have become cheaper, their ability to capture the sun’s photons and convert them to electricity is becoming more efficient, and the technology is changing as solar shingles emerge as a more mainstream item,” said Sage Singleton, home maintenance specialist at Safewise. “The time before payoff on solar panels is also getting shorter — the average rooftop solar system will pay back a homeowner in seven-and-a-half years. The sooner you install your solar panels, the sooner you will see the average savings on your lowered energy bills.”
Solar panels might also lower your tax bill.
[h=2]10. Look for Energy Provider Programs[/h]Many electric suppliers have programs you can participate in to reduce the cost of your bill. These include rebates for buying energy-efficient appliances, rewards for reducing energy usage during peak hours and programs that spread the cost of your peak usage for months across the year. Visit your energy provider’s website or call to find out what programs might be available.
[h=2]11. Shop for an Alternative Provider[/h]If you have alternative energy providers in your area, you can always shop around to see if you can find a cheaper option.
“One common way that consumers reduce their electric bill is to shop for a new electric supplier. Many states in the U.S. are deregulated, meaning the residential customers can shop for electricity,” said Kelly Bedrich, cofounder and president of ElectricityPlans.com. “In these states, homeowners and renters can shop for electricity in the same way you can shop for cable and internet service. By being able to shop for their energy, the homeowners can often save as much as 30% to 40% off of their energy bill simply by switching their supplier.”
Looking for other ways to save? Making your home more energy efficient is one 50 tips we came up with to give your finances a fresh start this year.
</article></section>
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</header>Home > Personal Finance > 11 Ways to Save on Your Shocking Electric Bill
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The cost of powering your home and all your assorted appliances and devices can be significant. The price of everything, from running your air conditioner on hot days to charging your phone as you sleep, can add up.
Getting a handle on your electric bill is important. While utility companies don’t typically report payments to the main credit bureaus, missing payments could potentially eventually drop your credit score as they can get sent to collections. (You can check two of your scores for free every two weeks on Credit.com).
But you can significantly reduce the electrical energy your home consumes by taking a few simple steps. Here are 11 ways you can lower your electric bill.
<aside class="callout override new-style" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 35px; padding: 15px 12px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: rgb(236, 236, 236); color: rgb(1, 1, 1); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: center;">[h=4]Free Credit Consultation - Call 844-346-3296[/h]Repairing Your Credit With Lexington Law Can Help You Save MoneyGet Help Now
Privacy Policy
</aside>[h=2]1. Perform a Home Energy Audit[/h]Home energy auditors are professionals who come to your home to evaluate your power usage, assessing your home and your past power bills. They’ll look for areas where you can increase efficiency. Many electric suppliers provide this service for free, but you can also find a local paid professional.
When the audit is complete, the auditor can recommend energy-saving methods and products.
[h=2]2. Install Dimmer Switches[/h]The overhead lights in many rooms often provide more illumination than we need. With dimmer switches, you can adjust the amount of light you’re using. Modern dimmers also reduce how much electricity lights use.
[h=2]3. Install Ceiling Fans[/h]Ceiling fans circulate air through your home and can cool you off. While they use electricity, they may reduce the workload of your air conditioner.
[h=2]4. Ward off the Sun[/h]Sunlight coming in through windows can heat up your home and make your air conditioner work harder. You should close the curtains or blinds on your windows when you don’t need them open and consider installing tinted window film. (If heating or cooling your home is the main cause of your high electric bills, here’s how you can keep temperatures comfortable without spending too much.)
[h=2]5. Turn Off Unused Items & Unplug Electronics[/h]Of course, you should shut off all electronics and lights when you leave a room to reduce energy usage. But electronics and appliances can use energy even when they’re turned off.
“Gadgets and appliances like TVs, laptops, coffee makers, printers, space heaters and cable boxes continue to suck energy even when turned off,” said Andrea Woroch, a consumer finance expert. “Get in the habit of unplugging all these electronics and appliances when you aren’t using them. Power strips are an easier and less timely alternative — some even come with a remote control for easier use.”
[h=2]6. Use LED Light Bulbs[/h]LED light bulbs use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs. While LED bulbs can cost more, they have a longer lifespan, so you could save money on light bulbs in the long run.
[h=2]7. Replace Your HVAC Air Filters[/h]Air filters keep dust and debris from circulating through your HVAC system and clogging vents and air registers. Over time, these filters get clogged with dust and debris themselves, and your air conditioning system will have to work harder to cool your home. You should swap your air filters out every few months to reduce the energy needed to regulate your home’s temperature.
[h=2]8. Install a Programmable Thermostat[/h]Programmable thermostats reduce energy costs by adjusting your home temperature when you’re away, at work or asleep. Your energy usage will be reduced because you won’t be wasting electricity cooling an empty home.
“The HVAC system uses the most energy in your home, and running the air conditioner or heater can blow your budget. However, installing a programmable thermostat takes the guesswork out of fiddling with temperatures and allows you to preset temps when you are home or away at work or school so you don’t waste energy,” said Woroch.
Just be careful. “Smart” thermostats are one of a few household objects that might make you vulnerable to hackers.
[h=2]9. Solar Panels[/h]If you’re looking for big savings and energy reduction, solar panels may be the way to go. Typically installed on the roof, solar panels harvest the sun’s energy and convert it into electric power.
“Solar panels continue to improve. The prices of solar panels have become cheaper, their ability to capture the sun’s photons and convert them to electricity is becoming more efficient, and the technology is changing as solar shingles emerge as a more mainstream item,” said Sage Singleton, home maintenance specialist at Safewise. “The time before payoff on solar panels is also getting shorter — the average rooftop solar system will pay back a homeowner in seven-and-a-half years. The sooner you install your solar panels, the sooner you will see the average savings on your lowered energy bills.”
Solar panels might also lower your tax bill.
[h=2]10. Look for Energy Provider Programs[/h]Many electric suppliers have programs you can participate in to reduce the cost of your bill. These include rebates for buying energy-efficient appliances, rewards for reducing energy usage during peak hours and programs that spread the cost of your peak usage for months across the year. Visit your energy provider’s website or call to find out what programs might be available.
[h=2]11. Shop for an Alternative Provider[/h]If you have alternative energy providers in your area, you can always shop around to see if you can find a cheaper option.
“One common way that consumers reduce their electric bill is to shop for a new electric supplier. Many states in the U.S. are deregulated, meaning the residential customers can shop for electricity,” said Kelly Bedrich, cofounder and president of ElectricityPlans.com. “In these states, homeowners and renters can shop for electricity in the same way you can shop for cable and internet service. By being able to shop for their energy, the homeowners can often save as much as 30% to 40% off of their energy bill simply by switching their supplier.”
Looking for other ways to save? Making your home more energy efficient is one 50 tips we came up with to give your finances a fresh start this year.
</article></section>
