Last month, we had a lot of winter storms.  This usually causes an increase in our electric bill.  I always expect it to go up some but when I got the bill for December, I was really shocked to find that it went up $200 more than we usually pay.  I was not alone, my friends and neighbors were all talking about their electric bills being a lot higher too.  So, now I am left trying to figure out how to get my bill lower.  Here are a few ideas to help you lower you electric bill.

Turn Off the Lights

When you are not using the lights, turn them off.   This is one of the easiest ways that you can save money.  After I get my kids out the door in the morning, I go through my house and turn off lights that were left on and we don’t need.  Talk with your kids about how important it is to turn off lights when they are not using them.  Use natural light whenever possible because it’s free. If you use outdoor lighting, consider using a motion sensor so the light does not stay on all the time.

Change Light Bulbs

If you use incandescent light bulbs consider changing to compact florescent light bulbs (CFL).  It is estimated that just changing to one of these CFL bulbs in your home will save you $35 for the next 10 years, which is the life of the bulb.  About a year ago, my electric company gave out free CFL bulbs to its customers in hopes to help customers save money on their electric bills.  CFL is not only cheaper to use, but also generates less heat.

Change Your Air Filters

Dirt and dust in the air filters will hinder air flow and reduce efficiency.  You should change your air filters monthly for central air and window units.

Get Energy Efficient Appliances

Many of the older appliances we have in our homes cost more to operate.  I recently bought a new dishwasher and this was one of the things I looked for was energy efficient. You will find this labeled as Energy Star.  These appliances can save you up to 30% or $400 a year according to the EPA.  Newer appliances use 50% less energy than those made in 2000 and before. So, consider buying a newer model, it may save you in the long run.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

You should strongly consider replacing your electric thermostat with a programmable thermostat.  This device can be set to automatically adjust temperature settings to energy saving levels when you are sleeping or away from the house. Some electric companies will even give you a discount for switching.

Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Consider washing clothes only in cold water.  A lot of labels on clothes tell you to wash in cold water anyways these days.  You can save money by only doing a hot water load that you use bleach to whiten your whites once a month. I don’t buy the special made for cold water laundry detergent because they are more expensive. Most liquid detergents will work well in cold water.    Also, consider not using your dryer and using the clothes line if it is nice outside.  There is nothing like the smell of air dried clothes and you save money.    

Stop Drafts

You lose a lot of heat in your home with drafts.  Seal the drafts and start saving money on your electric bills.

Fix Drips

If you have a leaky faucet, you may see a higher water bill.  If it is hot water that is leaking, it could also be affecting your electric bill.  Get those drips fixed and you will be able to save on both bills.

Consider Fixed Bills

If your electric bill is getting really high and you never know how much it is going to cost you for the month, talk to your electric company about fixed bills.  They may have several options.  One is a budget method.  This method helps you budget your monthly electric bill as it will be the same every month, but watch out because at the end of the year you may have paid too little and they will give you another bill for this overage.  Another plan is called the average plan.  This plan takes the average of your monthly electric bills and gives you one payment that is the same every month.  If you end up at the end of the year not paying enough, you will not be sent a bill.  Instead they will figure out a new average where that overage is considered in the new average.  Make sure you understand all the details before signing up for a program like this in your home.