Turn Out The Lights! 40 Ways to Save on Electricity

I am on a mission. The goal? To get our power bill under $100. Our average bill now is over $200! That is a ridiculous amount of money, and I’m tired of paying it! But how can we possibly get the bill down so far?

Well, there are many ways to reduce our electricity usage and I’ve researched many of them in an effort to save on our electric bill. Here are some options that you can pursue if you’re looking for ways to save on electricity.

Turn Out the Lights

Here’s thehe first thing I am working on to bring down our bill.

Lights.

We’ve always been good about turning a light off when leaving a room. Even the kids are in the habit of flipping that switch back down. But it never occurred to me, until recently, that perhaps we don’t need to have so many light bulbs on per room.

Have you ever gone through your house and counted exactly how many light bulbs you have? You might be surprised.

As I went through our home the other day, I counted 60 light bulbs! Do we really need nine bulbs in one bathroom? Or nine in the kitchen? So, I set to work unscrewing all but 15; one bulb for each room- three for the kitchen.

Let’s do some math. Your power bill is based on how many kilowatts per hour you use in a month (KWH). What you are charged per hour depends on where you live. You can figure this out by looking at your power bill and dividing your payment due by the total KWH used. Mine comes to 10.5 cents per kilowatt hour.

The average light bulb is 60 watts, right? If you left that light on for one hour, you would have  used 60 watt hours, or .06 kilowatt hours. So, according to what I get charged per KWH, I would have to pay .006 cents for that one hour. Doesn’t sound like much does it?

But multiply that by the 60 bulbs I have in my home and by about 5 hours of usage per day (just guessing on that one), and my cost would be around $2 per day. Multiply that by the days in the month… you see where I’m going with this. We are paying somewhere around $50-$60 per month for our lights.

If I’m going to try to reduce my monthly power bill, turning out the lights is a great place to start!

So, I went through the house unscrewing bulbs in every room. All of the bedrooms have an overhead fan/light, as well as a lamp on a dresser. I unscrewed all of the overhead lights, and left the one bulb in the lamp as the main light source. I also replaced the lamp bulbs with the new 13 watt compact fluorescent bulbs.

I did the same in every other room in the house- leaving only one bulb on, and replacing the 60 watt bulb with a compact fluorescent one, except for the kitchen- I left three lights on in there, one was the bulb over the stove.

I knew that if I didn’t totally unscrew the bulbs, that out of habit we would walk into the room and flip the light on. And it would be hard to stop doing that. Sure enough, later that evening when the kids went to their rooms there was mass confusion! “Mommy!! My light doesn’t work!“

I showed them both how to turn their lamps on, and explained that we don’t really need to have four lights come on when we enter the room, and that we’d be doing our best to save money on the power bill.

Even I have found myself walking into a room and flipping the light switch on. And when nothing happens I remember to use the lamp. We’ve been doing this for five days now, and you know, it’s amazing how little light you really need! One bulb in the bathroom is plenty. And a single lamp as the main source of light in a room is surprisingly sufficient.

We are so spoiled as Americans. Nine light bulbs in a bathroom… seriously? Is it truly necessary? And it’s so funny to me that I never questioned that! I simply filled the fixtures with bulbs, and dutifully replaced the burnt out ones.

Well, now I am seeing things in a whole new light! (Ha ha) I’m anxious to see how our power bill is affected over the next few months.

(As a side note, please read this warning about using compact fluorescentlight bulbs. They do contain mercury, so be very careful not to break one!!)

So what do you think? How many bulbs do you have in your home? Do you think you could live with half that amount of light? It’s not as hard as you might think.

Turn Things Off When You Aren’t Home

Not home? Then why are your fans, air conditioning units, and other energy-sucking appliances still running?

Take the time to shut things down when you leave. Even if you have pets, they should still be comfortable without the air constantly circulating.

Closing the drapes or blinds is a great way to keep things warm or cool enough without having to run these kinds of devices, too.

Use Power Strips

Another way to reduce the amount of energy that energy-sucking appliances are using up is to use a power strip that is advertised as being energy-efficient (rather than just your regular run of the mill one).

Plug everything from your computer to your television, your printer, and your cell phone charger into one of these devices.

This can dramatically reduce the amount of energy you are using and I can guarantee that you won’t notice the difference!

Stop Relying on the Ventilation Fan

Of course, there are times in which you need to use the ventilation fan in your bathroom, kitchen, or other living space. You need to get rid of odors and condensation, after all.

However, there are some circumstances in which using the ventilation fan is not only unnecessary, but it can be damaging.

These fans blow away both hot and cold air, and can cause you to use more electricity as a result. Use the ventilation fans in your bathroom, kitchen, or other areas as little as possible.

Limit the Use of Devices

We could all do with a little less technology in our lives, am I right? Encourage your family to unplug and limit the use of devices.

For example, you might say that cell phones are not allowed in certain areas of the home, like your kids’ bedrooms.

This will reduce the amount of time that your children spend using their phones unsupervised and it will also help reduce electricity when it comes to devices like video game players and the like.

Check Your Air Vents

If you’re using air conditioning systems, make sure things like bookshelves, file cabinets, and other obstructions aren’t blocking the vents. The same goes for heating vents. This will ensure that airflow is being circulated effectively, and allow for more efficient heating and cooling.

Take a Look at the Fridge and Freezer Temperatures

What is your refrigerator temperature set at? If it’s any lower than 38 degrees F or any higher than 40 degrees F, you’re doing yourself (and your food) a disservice. The same goes for the freezer – this should be set at 0-5 degrees.

When you use either of these appliances, make sure you shut the door as quickly as possible so the cold air doesn’t escape.

Don’t Leave the Door Open

I know, this one can be tough if you have little kids at home! However, it’s important that you communicate to everyone in the family that the door needs to stay shut if you want to save on electricity.

Get the Fridge Out of the Sun

While you might not have a lot of control over where you place your fridge in your home, if you can, position it in a location where it will be out of the sunlight.
Invest in Alexa

Personal assistants like Alexa and Google Home can be hugely beneficial when it comes to the energy usage in your home.

They’ll allow you to turn devices on and off if you’re not there, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to turn the lights on and off when you leave. You can do it from the office, as long as you’ve installed things like smart bulbs, plugs, and thermostats.

Lower the Brightness

When you’re using devices like your cell phone or television, set the brightness to the lowest settings possible. This won’t just help you save on electricity, but it will also save your eyes from extra strain. Using energy-saving mode will also help you save the battery life so you don’t have to charge your devices as often.

Run Your Ceiling Fan

While you don’t want to run your fan if you don’t need it, pay attention to the direction in which the blades are spinning, especially during the summer. In the summer months, the ceiling fan should be spinning in reverse.

This will improve airflow by pulling the cool air upward and circulating it around your living space.

Throw on a Jacket (or Take it Off)

Rather than turning the thermostat up or down, consider layering up or down instead. This is one of the most effective ways to stay warm or cool without having to worry about the electricity bill.

Plus, there are health benefits to not always having the heat cranked up, too, so be sure to tap into those by tapping into your wardrobe instead.
Cover Pans

If you have an electric stovetop, an easy way to save on electricity is to cover your pans and pots when you are boiling water or cooking food in them.

Heat won’t be released as easily so the pan will boil faster and use less energy as a result. Plus, who wants to sit around and watch a pot, waiting for it to boil?

A similar trick you can incorporate is to turn off oven burners a few minutes before your food is actually done. The heat will be stored in the cooking equipment and pans so that your food will still be able to cook, but you’ll also be able to save energy at the same time.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to always preheat your oven, either. Check the instructions or recipe for the food you are cooking – you’ll find that many of them require zero preheating.

Mind the Disposal

When running a garbage disposal, use cold water. There’s no need to use hot water and it will prevent you from spending the money it takes to heat up the water for the disposal.

Break Out the Duster

If there’s any dust buildup on your lamps or light bulbs, it can prevent light from shining through, reducing your overall illumination. Dust and clean the lamps and bulbs on a regular basis to prevent this from happening.

Cover the Windows

Planting some hedges or similar windbreaks around your home is a great way to naturally reduce the amount of energy your home needs to function. You can encourage a similar function by hanging heavy drapes on your windows.

This will help keep many of the sun’s direct rays out (as well as cold winter drafts) so it can reduce the amount of heating and air conditioning you need.

Clean the Fridge

Your refrigerator is one of those appliances that’s taking up electricity each day, all day. You can reduce your energy consumption by getting some of that clutter out there.

Microwave vs Oven

There’s a longstanding debate over which appliance is more energy-efficient – the microwave or the oven. In most cases, the microwave wins, at least if you are preparing small meals.

Not only do microwaves use less energy than ovens, but they also don’t heat up your house and take minimal energy to cool down.

Turn the Lights Off During the Holidays

Are you one of those people who loves to decorate during the Christmas season? If so, there’s a good chance that you don’t need all of your other lights cranked up full bore during this time.

You’re already sucking up a lot of electricity to power all those lights, so consider balancing things out by turning the rest of the lights down instead.

Hop in the Shower

While a long shower won’t do your electric bill (or your skin) any favors, a short one is superior to a bath – at least in terms of energy savings. Showers require less from the water heater, although to maximize the benefit, you’ll want to stick to shorter showers.

Shorten Your Shower

This is everyone’s least favorite tip! However, it’s a good one. Quit lingering in the hsower, since the average showerhead can use as much as five gallons of water per minute.

This not only wastes a lot of water but also, the energy that is needed to heat the water and keep it hot can be quite significant. Cap your shower time at ten minutes or less.

Use Cold Water

When it comes time to do laundry, consider using cold water instead of hot. As with all other kinds of household tasks, it takes energy to heat up the water you might be using for your laundry.

Washing your clothes in cold water, especially during the winter, will lower your electric bill quite substantially – and don’t worry, it will get them just as clean.

Use the Broiler or Grill

If you plan on cooking some meat, consider whether you can use the oven broiler or outdoor grill. Boiling is a cooking method that requires the least amount of energy so unless you have to, broil instead of bake. It’s just as healthy and much faster, too!

Lower the Daytime Heat

When you leave for work each morning, lower the heat or shut off the air conditioner. You won’t lose as much of that hard-earned hot or cold air as you think – it will still be plenty warm enough when you get home.

You can turn the heat back on while you’re cooking dinner and it will be plenty warm enough the rest of the night.

Clean Refrigerator Coils

When was the last time you cleaned anything behind or underneath your refrigerator? Chances are – never. It’s important to take the time to clean your refrigerator coils since over time, debris and dirt can build up on them and reduce their efficiency, causing them to work harder.

By giving them a good wipe down, you’ll save energy and prolong the life of your refrigerator, too.

Use a Solar Charger

Survivalists and preppers love solar chargers because they allow you to charge your devices without having to run up your electricity bill.

Consider investing in a solar charger or solar backpack and by placing it in the sun for just a few hours a day, you can charge your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or other device – all for free.

Thaw Foods First

There are lots of good reasons to htaw your food before you cook it – for starters, it’s going to taste a lot better! However, thawing your food before you cook it is essential in one other way – it will take less energy to cook it.

Install Dimmer Switches

This sounds like a task that would demand the expertise of an electrician, but installing dimmer switches is actually quite simple. You can do it in the evening!

Dimmer switches will allow you to adjust the amount of light you get in a given space so that you can use more light for focused activities like writing or reading and less if you are trying to achieve a more calming, soothing atmosphere.

Check for Leaks

Take a good, hard look at your doors and windows to make sure there aren’t any leaks, broken seals, or gaps where air can get through. This is also a great way to keep pests out of the home!

You can take care of any leaks by using caulking, weatherstripping, or new seals. This will prevent you from spending unnecessary money on your energy bill.
Install Triple Track Glass

Examine the windows in your home. If they don’t already have this feature, consider installing triple-track glass. This combines two panels and a screen so that air can flow through both the bottom and top halves. You can also install screen storm windows.

Another option to consider is frosted windows. These windows will block out the sunlight so that your home won’t stay as hot in the summer or as cold in the winter.
Check the Insulation

Similar to the last point, it’s also important that you take a look at your insulation. From your pipes to your walls, insulation can dramatically reduce the need for heating and will help you save on your electric bill.

It will also stop your water heater from working quite as hard and prevent your pipes from freezing in the winter – double bonus there!

Install Low Flow Fixtures

Do you really need that big splash of water? Consider installing low flow water fixtures, which can offer an electricity savings of up to 60%.

Make Sure Appliances are in Good Working Order

…and are working properly. Appliances that aren’t in good working order will be an energy drain. Make sure they’re all repaired, cleaned, and working well, and if it’s time to make the swap, purchase those that are Energy Star models rated for their efficiency.

Use Timers

For things that really don’t need to be powered all day long – like Christmas lights – consider using a timer. This will help you save both time and money so that you can have your lights turn off and on at the same time.

As an added bonus, you’ll be able to enjoy your lights more as they can already be turned on the moment you arrive home from work.

Close the Flue

Consider closing your chimney flue when not in use. This can help you save energy since it won’t be letting in a draft – or letting out the heat.

Install Light Colored Roofing

Light colored roofing is much more energy efficient than dark colored options. They’ll reflect sunlight so that your home doesn’t get quite as hot.

Close Off the Attic

Are you actually using the attic? If not, consider closing it up. You can buy an attic tent if you have pull-down stairs or you can install foam insulation pads so you aren’t heating an area of your house you rarely use.

Lower the Water Heater Temperature

Check the temperature on your water heater. By lowering it just a few degrees, you can save a ton of money on your electric bill. Similarly, shutting off the water heater while you’re gone can also help you save money.

Examine Your Energy Bill

Take a good, hard look at your electric bill. What price are you paying each month? Typically, providers will charge fixed, indexed, or variable rates, but sometimes they offer all free.

Keep in mind that although indexed or variable rates often seem less expensive, they fluctuate with the market and public use index and can affect your bill. Compare all possible rates before settling – this can really help you save on electricity!

How much do you know about electricity? Electricity is the energy that powers our homes, office buildings and other structures. Electricity is a major part of modern life. You may not think about it on a daily basis but it’s there powering your television, your computer and even the lights in your home or office building.

There are many ways to save on electricity and maintain a sustainable lifestyle. It is important to find what works for you, this can be done by using the tips we’ve given you in this article.

updated 04/22/2021 by Rebekah Pierce