Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill

Not exaggerating, but as I write this, I'm sitting, indoors wearing 3 shirts...and a scarf. It's -4º outside. And believe it or not, now is the perfect time to lower your electric bill. As energy costs just keep rising this year, it’s smart to conserve that energy and save those dollars. It’s a win-win situation for the environment and your wallet! Let's get into it with 6 tips.

Tip 1. Install dimmer switches: Not only do dimmer switches add more cozy ambience to a room, but they also conserve energy by decreasing the amount of electricity used. As an added bonus, buyers love to see dimmer switches, and they can help your home feel more updated.

Tip 2. Install ceiling fans: Ceiling fans increase air circulation in a room, which is obviously great for the summer to get some much needed breeze going. But did you know that ceiling fans can reduce heating costs in the winter, too? If you switch the way that the fan turns, it will push the hot air down into the room, making it feel warmer. As a result, ceiling fans are definitely worth the cost and time to install.

Tip 3. Change filters regularly: If you have central air, this is a big one. When your filters get old and full of dust and debris, they make the return vent mechanism work harder to get the same amount of air into the system. As a result, more energy is used. Avoid this by setting a reminder in your phone or your calendar to change your filters regularly. 

Tip 4. Schedule yearly HVAC maintenance: Keep your system working at its best and most energy-efficient by having maintenance done on an annual basis. In addition to keeping things running smoothly, you’ll also extend the life of your HVAC system and catch any problems early on. Most local La Crosse area HVAC professionals offer maintenance programs where they send out postcards and provide routine checks on your mechanicals to avoid costly problems and surprises.

Tip 5. Switch to LEDs: LEDs last forever, reducing the amount you spend on lightbulbs, and also use way less energy than incandescent or CFL bulbs. You can also get them in many different light temperatures these days so you can customize the look of your rooms when the lights are on. Win-win!

Tip 6. Add landscaping for shade: Increasing the shade around your home can save you a surprising amount of cash in the summer months in addition to upgrading your curb appeal.

It only takes a little time and effort to lower your electric bill and save energy as these tips have shown. Making small changes like these definitely adds up over time and will help you save money on your electric bill. And if you need a recommendations for electricians or HVAC (or want to look into going solar), I'm ready when you are.