Everybody knows that one of the biggest utility expenses for Somerville renters is the electricity bill. We use electricity in roughly every aspect of our everyday lives, from lighting and cooling our homes to doing basic household tasks. But even though you want electricity to do numerous things, you can still do so in smart 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, chances 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 add up to money saved on your electric bill.
2. Run Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
In many states, there are also instances when electricity costs more. Using electricity during these peak hours, as they are called, may result in 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 reasonable means 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. Due to their popularity, you can now find LED bulbs in a wide assortment 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 essential to change your filters every so often. When filters become dirty and congested, 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 whenever 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 frequently, too.
6. Air Dry Your Dishes
One more way 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 techniques 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 Somerville? Contact us today and see what rentals we have available!
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