74 ℉ is a pretty good average temperature for September. Historically, October is 12℉ colder, and November’s average temperature is 50 ℉. The winters in Northeast Ohio can be extreme, and the electric bills many homeowners receive during these months are pretty high. During these months, there are many families that struggle to make these high electric bill payments and fall behind. Then, late fees and higher rates make their ability to pay harder. This cycle is repeated year after year. If families start making payments but still have a balance on their bills, they cannot shop around for better electric suppliers and are stuck with suppliers offering high rates.
This winter, lower your electric bill by preparing your home for the frigid winter months. These tips will help you have a lower bill without making you suffer the cold weather inside.
- Shop for a Better Electric Supplier-The Public Utility Commission in your state will have a website and a list of all the major electric and gas suppliers in the state. Shop around and choose a supplier that will meet your needs.
- TIP#1 Do not pay a fee to enroll, cancel your contract early, or a monthly fee. There are other suppliers offering electric and gas contracts without fees.
- Tip #2 Do not enroll in a contract with a variable rate even if the price is lower. They can change the variable rate as they pleased in some cases. Choose the fixed rate every time.
- TIP #3 Be careful and read all the fine print before switching or choosing a new electric supplier.
- TIP#4 Keep all signed papers handy in case you need to check the terms of your contract later on.
- TIP#5 Keep in mind the termination date of your contract. Choose another supplier ahead of time if your contract is expiring and you will be shopping for a better rate. The change to another supplier is not instantaneous.
2. Use smart Technology-Buy a Programmable or a smart WiFi thermostat to control the temperature of your home with little difficulty. According to the U.S. Department of energy, for every degree you lower the temperature of the home, you will be saving 1% on your electric bill in an 8-hour period.
3. Change Filters-Most heating and cooling technicians recommend changing the filter in your heating system every 3 to 6 months. If the filter is full of dust sooner, you should replace it anyway regardless of the last time you changed it. The cleaner the filter is, the better it will perform.
4. Use energy-efficient appliances throughout the home-If you need to replace an appliance in your home, choosing an energy-efficient appliance that will save you money and be good for the environment. Also, make sure to clean the lint from the drier after every load, run the dishwasher when is fully loaded, clean the dust from the bottom of the refrigerator’s motor to keep it working efficiently.
5. Install ceiling fans for the second floor-Changing the thermostat to have a comfortable temperature on the second floor is wasteful. Instead, install ceiling fans in the bedrooms to keep them cool during the summer. It will take less electricity to cool the house, plus prolong the life of your AC system.
6. Turn Off the Lights, TV, and Computers-This is a relatively easy energy-saving tip we can all do. If nobody is in a room, the lights have to be off. If nobody is watching the TV, the TV has to be off. It is very easy for many families to leave the TV on whether anyone is watching or not. Some houses look like every light in the house is on, even if no one is in the room. It can become a nice habit to have to ensure we are not wasting electricity.
7. Reduce the Temperature-By reducing the temperature one degree, we are saving energy, and saving money. During the spring season and only if your children don’t suffer from allergies, open the windows to air out the home and cool it down. It is also true for the autumn months.
8. Apply Window Plastic Seal-You can apply a black, clear, gray, or artistic window plastic seal to your windows and doors to prevent cool or hot air from escaping. In the winter, the sun will warm up the house without wasting too much electricity, and in the summer, the house will be cooler if cold air is not escaping through openings and cracks.
For many families, reducing their kilowatts usage is an environmental issue. For many others, it is a matter of saving money. Regardless of the reason you want to lower the electric usage in your home, it is both financially smart, and environmentally conscious to reduce the kilowatts you use every month.