Chris O'Shea
If you’ve noticed that your energy bill is higher than ever, you’re not alone. According to a recent report, the average residential electricity bill increased at the highest rate ever in 2022 and is still on the rise this year. With that in mind, here are some ways to keep your electricity bill as low as possible.
Schedule an Audit
The first thing to do when trying to save on an electric bill is to schedule an energy audit. Simply call your provider and ask for one. During the audit, the expert will do the following:
- Locate air leakage and insulation degradation.
- Analyze your appliances to make sure they are efficient.
- Detail your current energy usage and past trends.
Use the Report
Once the expert is finished, they’ll give you a report with their findings.
- Use this report to fix and/or change things so that your home is more energy efficient.
- You may even qualify for rebates and discounts on energy-efficient upgrades.
Get Smart
Install a smart thermostat if you haven’t already. These thermostats monitor your usage and automatically adjust the heat/AC based on your habits. According to one report, installing a smart thermostat can save you up to 15 percent on electricity costs.
Ask Around
Many utility companies offer discount programs and other deals. You just have to ask about them. For example, most electricity companies offer “off-peak” and “on-peak” programs, which allow you to save on electricity by funneling your usage to off-peak times.
Do One Thing: Call your provider and schedule an energy audit. This will provide a good starting point for saving on electricity.
Jean Chatzky
