Do you know the best ways to cut down on your power bill?
Inflation. This horrible word terrifies us to the bone, and it doesn’t seem to be gone anytime soon. Most things are getting more and more expensive, but salaries are staying at the same level.
So, what can we do? While there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, we’re here to help you in this matter. On Frugal Americans, we love giving tips on how to stay on a budget, pay your bills, and enjoy life as much as possible.
In today’s article, we will talk about the best ways to cut down on your power bill and stop paying a ton of money for it. Be aware of some of the best advice from the experts themselves. After you try out these hacks, be sure to tell us how it went!
Let’s start with number one:
1. Save hot water
One of the first ways to cut down on your power bill is to preserve the water. Yes, you’ve heard me well! This hack won’t be good only for your pockets but also for the environment as well. As you probably know, heating water uses a lot of energy that’s why is very important not to waste it.
Avoid leaving the hot tap running for too long whether you are brushing your teeth, rinsing the dishes, or even when you are washing your hands.
Of course, a shower will often consume less hot water than a bath, especially if you choose an Echo showerhead. Save your tub time for when you’re really in need of a lengthy, soothing bath! Or even better, completely replace the bathtub and invest in a walk-in shower.
However, try not to waste time in the shower for more than five minutes. Consider shutting off the shower for one or two minutes while you soap up and take a lavish shower.
Another hack used by many people and proven as one of the best ways to cut down on your power bill is showering with cold water. It might sound a little harsh, but it’s beneficial for both your body and your budget. Try for yourself!
2. Always count on your dishwasher!
When you’re thinking about the ways to cut down on your power bill you probably don’t think of using a certain kitchen appliance, right? Well, this time you’re wrong and let me tell you why!
Unbelievable as it may seem, your dishwasher is more effective than you. When washing dishes by hand, you would use about half as much hot water as a dishwasher. Therefore, it benefits both the environment and your wallet.
At today’s high electricity costs, a mid-range dishwasher can complete a full 65-degree cycle for about 1.5 units of energy, or 65 cents (much less if you run it at night and use a night saver meter or smart meter).
Just be careful to turn it on only when you have a substantial load to do. Additionally, there is no need to pre-rinse because doing so wastes water, and dishwashing tablets work more effectively with debris on the surface.
3. Insulate your water cylinder accordingly
One of the best ways to cut down on your power bill is to take care of the insulation. I know you probably heard about this many times before, but trust me when I say it’s important!
Contrary to popular belief, heating water consumes the most energy in the majority of households and, in extreme situations, can account for half of your yearly power bills. And by thoroughly insulating your tank, you may save your water heating expenditures by up to 30%.
Many people believe that one of the budget-friendly ways to cut down on your power bill is to leave the water cylinder on for hot water continuously. But this is just a myth because this way you will end up paying more than you thought! Turn on the immersion only when you need to take a shower or you need hot water.
4. Use a timer plug for your lights
If all these ways to cut down on your power bill seem more like common sense to you, you might be surprised about this one! Let’s see. To easily and affordably manage when your lights turn on and off throughout your house, use a timer plug.
Basic ones may be purchased for as little as $15, and they can help you use less power. In terms of security, timer plugs are a terrific technique to guarantee that your home is well-lit even while you’re not there.
If you’re now sneak peek at a good timer plug for your home, look no further because we have something super affordable for you! This BN-LINK BND-60/U47 Indoor Mini 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer, 3-Prong, 2-Pack is available on Amazon for only $12.99. Buy it while it lasts!
5. Opt for low-energy light bulbs (the LED ones)
When compared to a normal bulb, an LED lightbulb consumes around 80–90% less power and can last up to ten times longer. You may save around $6 a year on power by replacing just one bulb.
Therefore, you may potentially save $60 a year if you replace all the light bulbs in your home. Mmm…that’s nice! Of course, this may vary depending on how many bulbs you have in the house.
Additionally, you may also want to be careful with switching on and off your lights after you leave the room. There is no possible way to consume less electricity if you keep the lights on throughout the day. Take care of your budget by doing this simple task! It’s worth it and it won’t take more than just a couple of seconds to do it.
6. Pull the plug for some of your appliances
One of the best ways to cut down on your power bill is to unplug the devices that you don’t use that often. While you may think that simply turning them off will do the job you might be surprised how many people get into this trap that is called “standby power loss.”
A typical household’s monthly power bill might increase by $50 or more due to standby energy, which can use 10% or more of the total electricity used by equipment.
Therefore, before saying goodnight make sure you turn off the TVs, your laptop, the gaming consoles, and other electronics. This is not only a safety measure but also cost-effective.
7. Use your tumble dryer as rarely as possible
…especially during the summer! The last but not least way to cut down on your power bill is to say goodbye (at least for a while) to the tumble dryer. I know you will say it’s the best method to dry your clothes as fast as possible, but in the long run, you will also spend a lot more on the electricity bill.
However, if you are forced to use it, divide your loads of clothes into lighter and heavier ones and think about purchasing some dryer balls to add to the machine with each load because they can save your drying time by up to 25%.
Additionally, simply run your garments through the machine for the shortest period of time possible; if they come out just a little bit moist, don’t worry because you can always put them on the line overnight.
Dear frugal, if you enjoy reading about ways to cut down on your power bill you must also check out another article related to the inflation topic: 15 Ways to Protect Yourself Financially During Inflation.
