13 Tips to Cut Your Electric Bill from Home

1. Conduct an Energy Audit
An energy audit involves examining your home's energy usage. Consider hiring a professional from your local utility company, often offered for free or at a low cost. Alternatively, use online tools for a DIY audit. Identify quick, affordable fixes and assess whether investing in better appliances is worthwhile for your budget and long-term savings.

2. Turn Off Lights
Switch off lights when not in use to save on electricity costs. Even small changes, like turning off five lights for 10 hours a day, can add up to significant savings. Take advantage of natural light during the day to reduce reliance on artificial lighting.

3. Upgrade Light Bulbs
Invest in energy-efficient LED bulbs, despite the higher initial cost. They consume less energy and last longer, resulting in substantial savings over time.

4. Seal Air Leaks
Check for drafts around windows, doors, and other openings. Weather stripping and caulking are inexpensive solutions to seal leaks, reducing energy waste and lowering bills.

5. Replace Air Filters
Regularly replace air filters to improve HVAC efficiency, prolong its lifespan, and reduce energy consumption.

6. Close Doors
Keep doors closed to prevent cooled or heated air from escaping, reducing the workload on your HVAC system.

7. Run Appliances Efficiently
Wait until you have a full load before running appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Hand-wash items when possible and use cold or warm water for laundry to further reduce energy consumption.

8. Eliminate Phantom Energy
Unplug electronic devices when not in use to prevent standby power consumption, reducing wasted energy and lowering bills.

9. Optimize Refrigerator Settings
Adjust refrigerator settings to maintain optimal temperatures, ensuring food safety while minimizing energy usage.

10. Keep Freezers Full
Maximize freezer efficiency by keeping it well-stocked, reducing the influx of warm air when opened.

11. Lower Water Heater Temperature
Adjust your water heater temperature to a comfortable yet energy-efficient level, avoiding excessive heating and unnecessary energy costs.

12. Explore Discounts and Incentives
Check with your utility provider for discounts, rebates, or incentives for energy-saving measures, such as going paperless or upgrading appliances.

Following these tips can result in substantial savings on your electric bill while still maintaining comfort and convenience. So, by incorporating all of them together, you'll be harnessing the power of the 1 percenters to make a noticeable impact. These are practical suggestions that can easily become habits with minimal to no cost involved.