5 Ways to Lower Your August Electric Bill

With temps soaring and the AC buzzing, August is one of the most expensive months for energy-use. We’re on the homestretch for sweltering temps but to keep your energy bill down in the meantime, try checking off a couple of items from the list below!

1. Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

This one seems to always be at the top of the ‘energy-saving’ list and for good reason! Not only do traditional, incandescent light bulbs consume an excessive amount of electricity but they even have to be replaced more often than energy efficient bulbs. The alternatives, light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs), halogen incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use roughly 25-80% less electricity and can potentially last up to 25 times longer. Although energy efficient bulbs are typically more expensive to purchase, their energy reduction and longer use means that you’ll be saving money in the long run!

2. Air Dry Your Clothes

The heated drying cycle on your dishwasher take more energy than you probably think. By skipping the drying cycle and letting your dishes air dry, you can save an average of 15-50% on energy.

3. Use Smart Power Strips

Given we’re in the technology era, most households have a large amount of electronics that are constantly charging or remain plugged when not in use. Roughly 75% of energy is used to power household electronics that are on standby or switched off. By installing a smart power strip, devices can be set to turn off at a specific time, whether it be due to a period of inactivity or remote switch.

4. Install a Smart Thermostat

A programmable or smart thermostat can be set to automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling during the times when you are asleep or away. When you install a programmable thermostat, you eliminate wasteful energy use from heating and cooling without having to upgrade your HVAC system.

5. Use Heat-Appliances at Night

Who wants to be cooking away during a beautiful summer day, anyways? Using the oven, or any other heating appliances at night like your dryer, dishwasher, etc. ensures that you’re not making your AC work overtime to compensate for sky-high temps both outside and in. Once the temps start to lower for the night, you can get cooking again!