23 Ways to Reduce Your Electricity Bill

As the prices of gas and electricity continue to rise, many people are finding their utility bills significantly higher than in previous years. In fact, some regions in the Northeast could see up to a $100 increase in their electricity costs compared to last year, with similar trends being noticed nationwide. However, there are many effective strategies you can adopt to help lower your monthly bills. Here’s a look at the top 23 ways you can start saving electricity and reduce your utility costs right now.

1. Embrace Efficient Dishwashing

Dishwashers, especially Energy Star-qualified ones, can be more energy-efficient than washing dishes by hand. According to the California Energy Commission, using an efficient dishwasher instead of hand washing can save up to 5,000 gallons of water and about $40 in utility costs annually, not to mention sparing you 230 hours of manual labor.

2. Air-Dry Your Dishes

Skip the heat-dry cycle on your dishwasher to save energy. Opening the dishwasher door slightly or using the air-dry setting can reduce your dishwasher’s energy use by 15% to 50%.

3. Optimize Dishwasher Loads

Ensure your dishwasher is fully loaded and you’re placing items correctly to avoid the need for rewashing. This maximizes each cycle’s efficiency and reduces the number of cycles you run.

4. Use Ceiling Fans

In warmer climates, ceiling fans can be a game changer. They consume only about 10% of the energy used by central air conditioners and can make a room feel up to 10 degrees cooler.