How to Save Money on an Electric Bill

It may be that we associate those who turn green to save money with the tree-huggers of the sixties. It may be that to save money on electric bill requires doing things we had not thought possible. It may be that we just were not informed what we could do. Such is the case for most people in the US, where energy prices are rising with record speed, shooting up like mercury in a thermometer-they just are misinformed or unaware of possible energy saving tricks.

We know not everyone is an eco-minded individual, but who does not want to shave dollars off the power bill? Across Illinois recently, the 10 year rate freeze on power has driven many to find alternative sources of power, become more energy efficient, and learn more about heating and cooling their homes. It can be seen as good experience, as it forces people to look at how they consume energy. What is happening in Illinois is also happening in many other states across the country (look at the Residential Electricity Prices to see power costs across the country). People are learning ways to cut costs in order to keep up with the rising costs of power. Aside from pushing legislature to enact more rate freezes, a person can learn some tricks to lower their own costs. Turn Green to Save Money

There are different levels of turning green. How dark a shade do you want to be? The darkest shade of course being those who rely wholly on renewable energy sources, like wind and the sun. The cost to install and to operate wind and solar power can be astronomical in comparison to traditional electrical sources. Many of us will not be turning darker shades of green, but doing things a little lighter, like installing more energy efficient light bulbs throughout the house, purchasing energy efficient washers, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers, as well as energy efficient furnaces, water heaters, and air conditioners. The Infinite Power website sets out instructions for creating residential wind and solar power solutions. But for those who wish to cut down costs using more economical means, a site like Thrifty Fun connects you to other individuals who are attempting to cut costs on power. The ideas found here may be helpful and you can contribute to the discussion as well.

More Ways to Save Money on Electric Bill


There are other things to consider when trying to save money on your electric bill. For instance, if you live in a cold weather climate, do you notice the snow on your roof melting before you neighbor's snow on their roof? This could be due to poor insulation in the attic. Having more insulation in the attic can greatly reduce energy costs, as heat rising will not seep out to the roof, melting the snow away. Cooling a home with poor insulation will also cost more and more money to keep the house cool. At ChoosetoSave.org, a person can read about proper insulation, as well as other ways to save money on your electric bill.

Know the Energy Costs


Many electric readers are now electronic, allowing homeowners to view their daily, weekly, and monthly usage. The information this provides can greatly enhance your own understanding of how to save money on electric bill. As the old adage says, knowledge is power, and knowing how many kilowatts are being sapped everyday can enable and encourage you to make necessary changes to daily routines. The Consumer's Power Inc. site combines the knowledge of your monthly usage with the cost of specific appliances within the home. In order to save money on electric bill, homeowners can use their online calculator to determine the cost of running an appliance, and then attempt to cut the costs through limited use. By knowing the kilowatts/hr. of an appliance, a homeowner can effectively cut their energy costs.

Lowering Energy Costs through Common Sense


We all heard growing up to turn the lights out when we left a room. The same is true today. Although we have electronics we think can stay on to infinity, we should really be turning the computer off every night in order to save money on electric bill. This small thing can amount to a few dollars off the bill every month. Also, some people have reverted to hang drying their clothes outdoors. This can reduce the amount of power used by eliminating the use of an electric dryer.

Using Natural Light to Save Money


The sun does not cost a dime to light a kitchen. In fact, direct sunlight through a carefully placed skylight can increase the ambiance of a space and invigorate those enjoying the direct sunlight even in the depths of winter. By installing well placed, energy efficient windows and skylights throughout a home, a homeowner can greatly reduce their energy usage. Be sure to use double paned windows, as the energy savings can be magnified. These types of improvements on a home can also be a tax break for a homeowner! The U.S. Department of Energy describes energy efficient ways to save money on an electric bill. They talk about everything from strategic windows to planting shade trees.

However a person does it, the need to reduce energy costs has increased in recent years. As we have seen all throughout the nation, people are finding ways, creative and otherwise, to save money on electric bill. A homeowner can arm themselves with knowledge of kilowatt usage and cost, how to lower usage by installing more energy efficient appliances, and through installing more energy efficient heating and cooling systems in their home. We may not be entirely green, but at least we can save money on the electric bill.