How Can I Save Money On My Electricity Bills in Ohio?
Posted onLower Your Bills Amid High Electricity Rates
Temperatures are up and as of June 1, many electricity rates are up. That means your monthly bills are probably way up, too. Sure there are the usual tricks do help lower your bill, but what can you do to seriously cut your electric bills further? Well, we've worked on a few more ways to save money on my electricity bills in Ohio. Plus, they're easy! Check out these five tricks.
Clean All Your Filters And Vents
Dryer vents, air filters, and outside AC condenser fins can get gunked up over time. Make sure all of these are clean. A dryer with a partially clogged vent traps moisture and will run longer to dry clothes. Dust, dirt, and pet dander build up in air filters and cut air flow. The same can happen to your AC's outside condenser unit. Together, just cleaning the air flow vents can reduce run times and help save you money.
Use Your Hot Water Heater Less
Summer is the perfect time to take colder showers. After home heating and air conditioning, your water heater is usually one of the biggest energy consumers in your home. Using your hot water heater less in the summer cuts your energy usage. Most detergents now work best with cold water. Lastly, water heaters do need some maintenance. It's real easy, too. According to Forbes' guide to flushing water heaters, the process clears out lime and scale from the bottom of the tank that reduces energy efficiency. Plus, flushing a quart of water from the heater every three months can keep sediment and scale from building up.
Power Strips Help Cut Electricity Bills
Modern technology relies a lot on “standby” modes. So, when you turn off your TV, it’s not actually off. Many tech gadgets use standby modes using less than 5 watts. But when you multiply that by the number of things in your home using a standby mode, the power drain grows. Instead, plug tech into power strips so you can shut them off completely with the click of a button, and beat that vampiric standby mode.
Better Thermostat May Lower Electricity Bills
Replace that old dumb dial thermostat with a new smart one. Smart thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat can save you 10-20% on your cooling and heating bills every year. Current versions are easier to program and can be controlled while you're out of the house. These kind of smart thermostats use sensors to learn your patterns and adjust the temperature throughout the day. You’ll never have to worry about forgetting to switch your air conditioning on or off ever again. And while smart thermostats can be an investment, the variety of competing models is keeping prices lower. So be sure to research the best ones for your home.
Swap Your Lightbulbs
Lighting your home uses about 12-15% of your energy usage. Unfortunately, older incandescent or CFL bulbs use far more energy than their LED counterparts. Plus, LED bulbs have become much cheaper, versatile, and convenient in the last few years. So, shop around for some new bulbs, and be sure to turn off lights when you exit a room.
Even More Ways To Keep Your Electricity Bills Low
If you’re still looking for ways to keep your bills low, consider shopping around for a new electricity rate. There are still plans well below the PTC rate all over Ohio. Need proof? Check out all of the best plans at www.ohenergyratings.com
