Energy costs can be a big part of your household expenses. Luckily, there are ways to lower your bills.
Find a cheap electricity rate by shopping for plans online. Remember that rates can change depending on season, weather, and energy demand. So you can secure a cheap rate by switching to off-peak times of the year.
Shop Around
You’ve heard the popular tips for lowering your electricity bills, like turning down your thermostat and using Energy Star appliances. But you can also save by shopping around for the best rates.
To get the most out of your search for the lowest electricity rates, it’s important to understand how pricing works. The most effective way to shop is to compare prices based on your average kWh usage. This will give you the most accurate picture of what plans are available for your home.
Remember that you should always check the price, excluding add-on fees. Some providers are good at hiding these charges, so you must read the fine print carefully. It’s also a good idea to find out whether or not your provider offers time-based rates, which allow you to take advantage of off-peak energy rates.
Switch to a Fixed-Rate Plan
The best way to save money on energy is to switch to a fixed-rate plan. When you choose the best electricity rates in Texas, you’ll lock in the cost per kilowatt hour for the duration of your contract, which could be as short as 12 months or as long as 48 months, depending on your supplier. Budgeting for energy expenses makes it much easier because your rate won’t fluctuate based on market conditions.
With the current rise in global energy prices, you’ll want to take steps to shield yourself from these increases. A fixed-rate plan will guarantee your energy price for the length of your contract, protecting you from rising market rates. You’ll still be subject to varying demand levels, but you won’t have to worry about soaring energy prices.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
The average American spends over thirteen hundred dollars a year on energy bills. Luckily, many ways exist to lower these expenses without spending a fortune.
For example, if you’re in the market for a new dishwasher or water heater, ensure it has the Energy Star label. These appliances use an average of 12% less energy and 30% less water than standard models.
Energy-efficient appliances also reduce your carbon footprint. The energy-saving features of these appliances conserve energy and limit the exploitation of natural resources for power generation, which would otherwise contribute to global warming.
Unplugging devices and appliances, such as TVs, computers, and chargers when not in use, can also help save money by eliminating “phantom electricity,” which accounts for 10% of your home’s energy use. Plus, some utility providers offer discounted rates when usage is low—such as early morning or late at night.
Run Your Appliances at Night
Many electric utilities have peak and off-peak hours, with higher rates during the day and lower at night. Shifting your electricity usage to off-peak hours can help you save money on your energy bills.
During the off-peak hours, you’ll usually pay less to run your dishwasher and clothes dryer and even charge your electric car. It’s best to consult your utility company and time-of-use rate plan to determine when electricity is cheapest.
Aside from running your appliances at night, you can also make other changes to reduce energy consumption. For example, you can replace your old appliances with more energy-efficient ones or install solar panels to reduce your carbon footprint. You can also have an energy audit to identify gaps, loose insulation, and other issues that make your home consume more power. These simple and easy fixes can lead to big savings over time.
Turn Down the Thermostat
One of the best and simplest ways to save energy is to turn down your thermostat. This will cut your energy usage and reduce your electricity bills significantly without extra work or sacrifice.
Lowering the temperature by a few degrees overnight and while at work or school can reduce heating costs by 3-5%. A programmable thermostat makes this process easy and efficient.
Another way to lower your electric bill is to use less heat during the day. You can easily accomplish this by wearing more clothing and keeping your home cooler.
Rearranging furniture can improve airflow. Often, your sofa may be directly over or covering an air vent. Moving the sofa can help improve airflow and keep your home comfortable while lowering energy usage. You can also reduce your electric bill by plugging electronics into a power strip, cutting off the current when unused. This can save you up to $100 a year.
Install Energy-Efficient Lighting
The energy bill is a significant line item for many homes and businesses, but there are plenty of ways to lower your monthly electric bills. These changes can save you a lot of money each year, increasing energy efficiency and reducing your carbon footprint.
When you shop for electricity, focus on the “energy supply charges” shown on your bill in cents per kilowatt hour. This is the part of the bill you control, and it’s important to compare rates based on your unique usage.
Many electronics use a trickle of electricity even when turned off, and these “vampire loads” can account for 5%-10% of your home’s energy costs. Unplug these devices or plug them into a smart power strip to reduce this waste. Alternatively, you can try energy-efficient lighting to cut your electricity costs further.
