Do an online search for ways to save money on your electric bill and no doubt you’ll find hundreds of tips. Use black-out curtains, turn lights off in unoccupied rooms, and so on. Sure, these simple things help. But let’s be honest – if you want to see drastic savings, you’ll have to pay attention to the things that eat up the most energy.

Here are 6 things you can do to enjoy significant savings on your electricity bills.

1. Adjust the Thermostat

The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your heating and cooling costs. Rule of thumb is to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees F in the summer and 65 degrees F in the winter. If those temps seem a bit extreme, start by raising (or lowering, depending on the season) the thermostat a couple degrees from what you’re used to. And don’t forget to adjust the temperature while you’re away from home or asleep.

2. Adjust the Water Heater

If you have a tank-style water heater, it continuously stores and reheats the water in the tank so hot water is ready to go when you need it. However, all that heating and reheating costs money. By lowering the temperature to 120 degrees F, your water heater will use less energy, which translates to lower electricity bills.

3. Replace HVAC Filters

One of the most effective ways you can reduce your electric bill is to replace your HVAC filters. Filters help an HVAC system run more effectively and efficiently and help keep the air flowing through the vents free of dust, dirt, allergens, and more. However, a clogged filter will reduce airflow and thus, the efficiency of the system. Some of that debris may start slipping onto your HVAC coil, reducing the quality of your cooling and heating. All this causes your HVAC system to work harder, running up the electric bill in the process. And because your HVAC will be working so hard to clear the air (literally), it runs up your electric bill.

4. Don’t Ignore the Washer & Dryer

Make sure to clean out the dryer filter after every cycle to protect you from a house fire and help the dryer work more efficiently. A clogged dryer filter can lead to longer dry times, which means more electricity usage and higher bills.

Additionally, wash your garments in cold water so that you aren’t relying on the water heater to deliver a supply of hot water. Washing in cold water also helps your garments last longer. And don’t forget to wash full (but not over-stuffed) loads. Because washers and dryers consume a lot of electricity, the less you have to use them, the better.

5. Check the Kitchen

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. We believe it’s also one of the most energy-guzzling rooms in a house. The refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher all consume quite a bit of energy, spiking electric costs. To cut back, use your grill instead of the oven whenever you can, thaw meat in the fridge instead of the microwave, run full loads in the dishwasher, and don’t use the “heat dry” feature. Instead, run the appliance at night and open the dishwasher door to let dishes air dry. Finally, don’t overstuff the fridge and freezer so that air can circulate properly.

6. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate

Insulation regulates a home’s temperature. Poor insulation causes a home to take longer to warm up or cool down, resulting in higher utility costs. Insulate exposed water pipes, replace cracked electrical outlet and light switch plates, make sure you have adequate attic and crawl space insulation, and seal any cracks or gaps around windows and exterior doors.

At Excel Electrical Technologies Inc., we have numerous ways to help you cut electricity costs even more. Replacing light switches with dimmers will help, installing LED recessed lighting, installing one or more ceiling fans, installing a lighting control system, and much more. To learn more or schedule service, contact us today.