4 Simple Tips To Trim Your Electricity Expenses Year-Round

Electricity bills can take a big bite out of your monthly budget, and the rising costs can leave you scrambling for ways to ease the financial strain on your wallet. The good news is that with a few simple adjustments, you can significantly reduce your electricity expenses throughout the year — without sacrificing comfort.  

These four often-overlooked yet easy-to-implement tips can help you save money year-round by reducing electricity usage. Each tip is simple and quick to implement. 

1. Regularly Changing Your Air Filters

Air filters have a significant impact on indoor air quality and maintaining the efficiency of your HVAC system. When air filters become dirty or clogged, they restrict airflow and cause your heating and cooling system to work harder, consuming more energy. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, changing air filters each season can help you save 5-15% on your energy usage!

It’s recommended to change your air filters every three months. But if you’re a pet owner or have allergies, then every month is a good idea. Clean filters allow for improved airflow, which reduces energy consumption and allows your system to cool or heat your home more effectively. 

All you need is a ladder or step stool that lets you reach the filter grate and a new filter to replace it with. The filters have an arrow printed on the sides showing you which side faces up and takes less than 5 minutes to swap them out.

2. Optimizing Your Thermostat Settings

Another effective way to reduce electricity usage and thus save money is by optimizing your thermostat settings according to the seasons. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat a few degrees higher (around 78°F) during the summer, and raising it even more when you’re away can reduce your energy costs by up to 10% a year.  

Similarly, in the winter, lowering your thermostat a few degrees (around 68°F) when you’re at home and further reducing it when you’re away can help you save on heating costs. 

Smart and programmable thermostats can make your home more energy efficient by learning your activity, detecting when you’re not home, and you can remotely access it from anywhere. If you’re in a hurry to work in the morning and forget to raise your thermostat — you can remotely adjust it on the fly. 

Dressing for the season will also make you more comfortable when adjusting your thermostat. If it’s winter and you’re used to lounging around your home in the same clothes and pj’s you’d wear in the summer, dress for the cold temperature instead, and you’ll be comfortable lowering your thermostat. 

3. Making the Most of Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can be your ally in achieving energy savings throughout the year. They can make a room feel 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting without impacting your comfort, and can save you up to 10% on cooling costs.

Did you know you’re supposed to change the direction of your fan’s movement in the summer and winter? Look for a button on the remote (if your fan has one) or the fan base that looks like an arrow. This changes the direction of the blades and airflow.

During the summer, ensure that your ceiling fan is rotating counterclockwise. This pulls the hot air up, away from you, and the cooler air is pushed down as a cool breeze that makes the room feel more comfortable. 

In the winter, reverse the direction of your ceiling fan to clockwise. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling, effectively distributing it throughout the room. 

Keep in mind the ceiling fan only makes it feel cooler to the person(s) in the room because of the circulating air against the skin. It doesn’t actually cool the room down. With that in mind, if you’re not in the room — save money and energy consumption by turning off the fan. 

4. Cleaning Your Refrigerator Coils 

Three things right off the bat:

1. Yes, you’re supposed to clean them. 
2. No, you’re not alone if you haven’t been doing this. 
3. It’s not nearly as time-consuming or labor-intensive as it sounds. 

Why are you supposed to clean them? 

Over time, the coils can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris — especially if they’re located under your fridge. As a result, your fridge has to work harder, causing it to use more energy. Depending on the severity, dirty coils can cause your refrigerator to use up to 35% more energy! 

Cleaning the coils once every 12 months should be sufficient — unless you’re a pet owner. In that case, it’s even more important to routinely clean under your fridge.

If you have a furry family member in your abode, you’re already familiar with the challenge of pet hair finding its way into every possible nook and cranny. Pet hair can quickly cover the refrigerator coils, obstructing airflow and reducing your fridge’s efficiency. 

Before you begin vacuuming with wild abandon — unplug the fridge from the wall. Don’t worry, your food will be ok. The cleaning process only takes a few minutes, so as long as you keep the fridge door closed, you’ll be fine. 

If this is your first time cleaning them, here’s a video showing how to do it right. 

Simple Steps for Significant Savings

Reducing your electricity expenses doesn’t have to be complicated. 

By implementing these four simple, cost-effective tips, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bill. 

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