Tips on Lowering Your Electric Bill

Years ago, people just called their electric bill the 'light bill.' This was due to lighting your home being electricity's primary purpose. You didn't have anything else electric to run up the bill. While you didn't pay nearly as much as you do today, a lot of us probably couldn't get through life without the electric appliances we love to own now.

There's a cost to these appliances, and that comes with a skyrocketing electric bill that doesn't ever seem to stop climbing. The reason behind this costliness is all the appliances in your home. Your central air will be the biggest drain on your finances, particularly if it both heats and cools your home with one unit. If you live in a hotter area, the bulk of your electric bill will be spent on air conditioning.

If you want to reduce expenses, just get a window AC unit for only the most frequently occupied rooms of your house. However, if central air is absolutely needed, you can do other things. Have a central air unit that's less than 15 years old. Older models could use up to two times the energy of current units.

Ensure that your new unit is the right size for your home. You should get advice from professionals in getting the right size, so that you don't get an inefficient unit. Get as high an energy rating as possible.

Make it so you can program the temperature in your unit. Get a timer as well, so the AC won't run when you're not in the home, and can turn on before you get back. This will definitely cut down expenses when compared to just leaving it on all day, no matter whether you're home or not.

Your electric water heater is another drain on your bill. No matter when you use hot water, the tank is working. While some research is necessary before purchasing, you can get a tankless water heater that will work great.

While it would be a costly investment, if you're planning on living there a while, a solar water heaters could help. At least wrap a thermal blanket around the tank if you decide to keep it. If you're going to be away for a while, turn the tank off.

While there's no real alternative to having it, a freezer/fridge can really hike up the electric bill. Get a post-2001 model, as they'll use much less energy. Look for the Energy Star label in any product you buy.

If it has it, it means it is at least 15% more efficient than the energy standards. Get a top freezer, which doesn't use as much electricity as other units. Getting one without icemakers or dispensers save energy as well.

Get a gas laundry dryer, which will use less energy than the electric variety. If you can't get a gas dryer, at least make sure your electric dryer has a moisture sensor. This sensor will shut off the dryer when your clothes are dry.

A clean lint filter will make your unit cheaper to run. If you manage the expenditure of these major appliances, your electric bill will be drastically reduced. You can save a lot with these methods.