Perhaps, one of the biggest utility expenses for Baxter renters is the electricity bill. We use electricity in virtually every aspect of our regular lives, from lighting and cooling our homes to doing basic household tasks. However, even though you need electricity to do countless things, you can still do so in clever ways that will help you save on your electric bill. By following just a few simple tips, you might be able to see real savings every month.
1. Raise Energy Awareness
The best place to start with reducing your electric bill is to pay attention to which items in your home are consuming large amounts of energy. If your rental home has an air conditioner, the probabilities are it uses more energy than almost anything else in the house. But kitchen appliances, TVs, computers, and so on could also be using more power than you think. Simply turning off or unplugging devices when they are not in use could equal money saved on your electric bill.
2. Run Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
In many states, there are also situations when electricity costs more. Using electricity during these peak hours, as they are called, may give rise to big spikes in your energy costs each month. To keep your bill low, try to run large appliances like your dishwasher or clothes dryer at night or during off-peak hours.
3. Switch to LED
An easy and low-cost way to save money over the long term is to switch to LED light bulbs. Energy-saving LEDs are designed to consume a lot less electricity while lasting months or even years longer than traditional light bulbs. As a result of their popularity, you can now find LED bulbs in a varied range of sizes and styles, perfect for every room of your house.
4. Change Your Filters
When you are running your furnace or air conditioner a lot, it’s vital to change your filters habitually. When filters become dirty and clogged, they can cause your AC unit or furnace to work harder to cool or heat your house. This extra effort consumes more energy, which will translate to higher charges on your monthly bill.
5. Wash Laundry in Cold
Some of the most energy-hungry appliances in your house are your washer, clothes dryer, and water heater. To save money using all three, wash your laundry in cold water and line-dry every time possible. This will not only help reduce the amount of energy your water heater uses to supply hot water to your house but can help you keep your house cooler by using your dryer less often, too.
6. Air Dry Your Dishes
Another method to save on the electric bill is to adjust the settings on your dishwasher. If you often wash smaller loads, try changing to a quick wash cycle that will wash faster and use less energy. Also, opt for the air-dry feature instead of heat drying your dishes. This will help you save electricity, one load of dishes at a time.
7. Cool Down Naturally
There are a few simple systems to try to help your AC run more efficiently during warmer months. If the outside temperature is cooler at night or early morning, open your windows to let the cool air in. Also, use table fans and ceiling fans to circulate the air in your home and keep things cool. Finally, close your blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day, keep the hot air out and the cool air in. All of these can help your AC unit run more efficiently and save on your electric bill.
Are you in the market for a more energy-efficient rental home in Baxter? Contact us today and see what rentals we have available!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.