23 tips to help you save money on electricity

If the recent electricity price increase has made you nervous, don't worry. There are many simple steps you can take to help lower your electricity bill. CNET.com.

Use your dishwasher

Dishwashers use electricity but save more energy, money, water and time than hand washing.

Using an Energy Star certified dishwasher instead of hand washing can save you an average of 19000 cubic meters of water and $40 in utility bills per year. Not to mention 230 hours of your time.

Air dry dishes

Avoid the heat dry cycle in the dishwasher. Instead, open the door slightly and let the dishes air dry. If your dishwasher has an air dry function, use it instead of the heat dryer. This simple trick can reduce the energy consumption of your dishwasher by 15-50%.

On the subject: Electricity prices to rise in New York this summer

Use a fan

If you live where the summers are hot, turn on the ceiling fans by touching the thermostat. According to the US Natural Resources Defense Council, using a ceiling fan can make a room up to 6 degrees cooler. And the fan consumes only 10% of the energy that the central air conditioner spends.

Use smart bulbs

If you haven't switched to LED lighting yet, now is the time. The US Department of Energy claims that LED lamps use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lamps. This means big savings over time.

Use motion sensors to turn off the lights automatically

If you're constantly following family members from room to room and turning off the lights behind them, a simple upgrade can save you time and money. Motion sensors such as the GE LED Plus range or Ring smart outdoor lights could be options. They turn on when someone is in the room and turn off when they don't detect any movement.

Turn off the burner a little earlier

If you turn off the burner early, the stove will generate enough heat to cook the food. This advice is suitable for most dishes, although there are exceptions.

Keep the oven closed

Every time you open the oven door during cooking, the internal temperature may drop by 10-15 degrees. This causes the oven to use more electricity to raise the temperature again. To save energy, look out the oven window instead of opening the door.

small for small

If you are reheating or cooking something small, use a smaller appliance such as a microwave or toaster. They consume significantly less electricity than an oven.

Install a dimmer

According to the US Department of Energy, dimming your lights reduces power, which helps save energy. Some dimmers can be controlled using the app. For example, the built-in wireless smart lighting kit Lutron Caseta. It can adjust the lighting and save electricity wherever you are. However, be sure to purchase incandescent bulbs that work with dimmer switches.

Use a smart plug

You may think that your electronics and appliances are energy efficient. But you may be using more electricity than you think. TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini is a device that plugs into your wall; you can program it to turn your electronic devices on and off automatically.

Put your equipment on standby

Putting your electronics on standby saves more money, but it still uses a significant amount of electricity. Standby electronics account for 10% or more of your electricity bill, according to the US Department of Energy.

Better yet, use Smart Strip

One of the best ways to control your washing machines is to plug them into a power cord or a smart socket like the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip. Simply turn off the Strip or use the smart switch app to turn off power guzzlers when you go to bed or are not at home.

Install a programmable thermostat

Do you still have that thermostat from the 1970s? Change it to a programmable thermostat like Nest, Ecobee or Honeywell. According to the Energy Savings Alliance, switching to a programmable thermostat can save you up to 10% on your cooling and heating costs.

Check the location of your thermostat

While you are considering installing a programmable thermostat, check the current location of your thermostat. He might not be on the right wall. Drafts, direct sunlight and other factors may cause the air conditioner to turn on when it is not needed.

Your dryer

The California Energy Commission claims that dryers consume approximately 6% of a home's total electricity consumption. You can help your dryer run more efficiently by keeping it clean. And cleaning the lint trap after every load is one of the most important things you can do to improve your dryer.

Use cold wash

Start using cold water when you wash your laundry. Why? Because, according to Consumer Reports, 90% of the electricity used for laundry is used to heat water. The Energy Saver Alliance claims that washing clothes in cold water can save you $63 a year on your electricity bill. In any case, most detergents are designed to work best in cold water, so this is an easy replacement.

Upgrade your washing machine

Old appliances are not as energy efficient as they could be. For example, Energy Star estimates that a washing machine over 10 years old can cost you an average of about $190 per year.

Old dryers waste energy too

Turn off your dryer while you're shopping for a washing machine. Your old dryer can use up to 20% more energy than a newer Energy Star certified model.

Speed ​​up the spin

An extra spin of your clothes in the washing machine can save up to half the drying time.

Turn off your shower head

Switching to a low-flow shower and taking a 10-minute shower not only saves you 19000 cubic meters of water compared to taking a bath, according to Energy Star. But it also saves up to $145 a year on electricity.

Air ducts can be a source of electricity consumption

Air ducts in your home can cost you a lot of money. Ducts with holes, blockages and leaks can lose about 20% of the efficiency of an HVAC system. If you have any of these problems, get your duct work done by a professional.

Use solar energy

You may not be able to convert your entire home to solar energy, but there are many ways to incorporate it into your life.