Tips and Tricks to Lower Your Electric Bill

Even though homeowners are already burdened with pricey electricity bills, things aren’t about to let up anytime soon. It’s projected residential electricity costs will increase roughly 2.8 percent by the end of 2021.[1] Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to combat this growing problem.

Here are some tips and tricks that you can do to help lower your utility bill and avoid rising costs in the future.

Choose Energy-Efficient Products When You Can

You don’t always have to switch out major appliances when it comes to energy efficiency! There are all kinds of energy-efficient products out there to help us save on our electricity. Below are a few easy products that you can start with.

LED Lightbulbs – One of the easiest switches you can make is to LED lightbulbs. These lightbulbs last much longer than the average incandescent bulb and use about 75 percent less energy. Now, you don’t have to throw away your incandescent bulbs that are still have a little bit of life in them, but you can replace them with LEDs when they burn out. With energy-efficient bulbs, you can save money on electricity in the long run and won’t have to replace the bulbs until much later.[2]

Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems – Upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system is one of the most impactful changes you can make. Modern HVAC units are designed to use less energy while providing better temperature control. Dream Team HVAC can assist in selecting and installing the perfect system for your home, ensuring you get the most out of your investment. Whether you need a new air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump, opting for energy-efficient models will reduce your utility bills and decrease your environmental footprint.

To fully realize the benefits of an energy-efficient HVAC system, it’s crucial to ensure that it is properly maintained and serviced. Even the most advanced systems can lose efficiency if they are not regularly cleaned and tuned up. This is where professional HVAC services come in, as they help maintain the unit’s performance and longevity, ensuring it operates at peak efficiency.

A well-maintained HVAC system provides optimal comfort while reducing energy consumption, and that’s why professional servicing is essential. Lee’s HVAC can also assist with everything from annual tune-ups to emergency repairs, ensuring that your energy-efficient system operates at its best. With the right care, your HVAC system will continue to deliver superior performance, minimizing your environmental impact and maximizing your investment.

Smart Power Strips – Smart power strips are a great addition to your home because they can automatically detect when appliances are plugged in and being used and when they are not. This reduces “vampire loads,” which is when devices are plugged in but not being used but still draw out power.[2]

Ceiling Fans – During the summer months utilizing your ceiling fan is a great way to decrease the need for energy-intensive cooling. While fans may not cool the air entirely, the wind effect they create can definitely help keep the home cooler by circulating the air. Air conditioning partnered with a ceiling fan will allow you to dial back your thermostat by four degrees. Look for Energy Star-certified units for a 20 percent boost in efficiency over standard models.[2]

Consider a New Refrigerator- Replacing your old refrigerator with a new energy-efficient one is a great way to cut down on your utility fees and live a greener lifestyle. An old refrigerator can be an energy hog, in fact, those that are over 10 years old have cost homeowners up to $5 billion in utility fees. Homeowners who have switched to an energy-efficient appliance have seen hundreds of dollars in savings over the refrigerator’s lifetime.[3]

Small Changes to Your Everyday Behavior

Did you know that you can make small changes to your daily life that can actually impact your utility bills?

Conserve Water– Believe it or not, there are a few simple ways you can strategically reduce water usage at home. Taking shorter showers is a great place to start, but what about how you wash your dishes? Did you know, “dishwashers actually use about nine times less water than hand washing your dishes?” ² Making sure you fill the dishwasher as much as possible each time is an impactful way to save water on a regular basis.

Dress for the Occasion– This might sound like an obvious choice, or maybe it’s something you have never thought of, but it works! By dressing for the hot or cold weather, you can avoid using excessive heat or cool air to regulate your temperature. Wear shorts and a t-shirt in the summer with your AC a few degrees higher than you usually would, and after some time you will save money and still be comfortable in your home.[2]

Don’t Waste Your Food- Believe it or not energy is used on your food! About 10 percent of the U.S. energy usage goes towards growing, processing, packaging and shipping your food. However, a whopping 40 percent ends up in a landfill, Aliya Haq, deputy director of NRDC’s Clean Power Plan initiative, says “if you’re wasting less food, you’re likely cutting down on energy consumption.”[4] A great practice to help reduce food waste is to plan out your meals and shop for exactly what you need at the supermarket.

Take Action in Your Community- Climate Action groups are a great way to get involved locally. Right now, you can get involved in more ways than just changing your behavior at home. A quick Google search in your area will help you find the perfect group for you!

Momentum Solar has even created their own sustainability initiative. All In is comprised of ambassadors from our offices nationwide. With over 70 ambassadors and growing, All In takes part in regular meetings, outreach events, charity collections and more. Contact your local Momentum Solar office to learn about events near you!

Home Upgrades

To help lower your bills, you may want to consider more significant, long-term upgrades to your home. Here are a few to start with:

Install a Programmable Thermostat– Installing a smart, programmable thermostat to your heating and cooling system works in ways that a traditional thermostat wouldn’t. The most beneficial bit is that they can intelligently increase or decrease the temperature in your home. This helps a great deal when trying to save money.[5]

With Momentum Power Solutions, you can optimize your home’s energy efficiency. Whether you have an electric vehicle that needs a charging station, you are looking to add transfer switches and even a battery back-up storage system. You can trust that MPS will handle all of your general electric needs and be done by the best in the business.

New Windows– If you live in an older home or noticed a sudden increase in your utility bills, this could be a sign that it’s time to replace your old doors or windows. Double-paned windows have a better seal and will help keep your home at the temperature your thermostat is programmed to if you opted to install one like we mentioned above. [2]

If you are looking to upgrade more than your windows, Momentum Home also offers doors, siding and roofing. Working with a team of experts, you will have the ability to choose from various configurations to fit your exact style and needs.

For more information please 1-888-338-HOME.

It’s Time to Make the Switch

Switch to Solar– Although this may seem like an obvious answer, many people still do not know the true number of benefits of solar panels add to your home. Not only can you soak up the sun and convert solar energy into usable electricity for your family, but you can also increase the overall value of your home all while helping to reduce your carbon footprint.

If you’re looking to go solar, you can trust Momentum to take the stress out of the process. Our team handles the process from start to finish and is dedicated to helping you make a seamless transition. With over a decade in the business, Momentum is ready to take on any project, no matter the size.

If you are looking to make the switch, please call 1-888-MOMENTUM.

[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/201714/growth-in-us-residential-electricity-prices-since-2000/#:~:text=Itpercent20ispercent20projectedpercent20thatpercent20the,risenpercent20overpercent20thepercent20lastpercent20decade.

[2] https://www.rossandwitmer.com/8-best-appliances-energy-efficient-home/

[3] https://www.rossandwitmer.com/8-best-appliances-energy-efficient-home/

[4] https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-you-can-stop-global-warming

[5] https://news.energysage.com/how-to-lower-your-electric-bill/