One of the highest utility expenses for Salem renters is the electricity bill. We use electricity in almost every aspect of our everyday lives, from lighting and cooling our homes to performing basic household tasks. But regardless of whether you need electricity to finish your responsibilities at home, you can still do so in a smart approach that will help you save on your electric bill. By obeying some of these simple steps, you might be able to see real savings every month.
1. Raise Energy Awareness
A great way to begin with reducing your electric bill is to pay attention to which items in your home are consuming large amounts of energy. If your rental home has an air conditioner, the possibilities are it uses more energy than almost anything else in the house. Yet, kitchen appliances, TVs, computers, and the rest of the appliances could also be using more power than you think. Simply turning off or unplugging devices when they are not operating could contribute significant money saved on your electric bill.
2. Run Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
In some states, there are also moments when electricity cost is expensive. Using electricity during these peak hours, as they are called, may add up to big spikes in your energy costs each month. To keep your bill low, choose to run large appliances like your dishwasher and clothes dryer at night or during off-peak hours.
3. Switch to LED
The best and less expensive approach to save money over the long run is to switch to LED light bulbs. Energy-saving LEDs are built to consume much less electricity while lasting months or even more years versus traditional light bulbs. Since they are popular, you can easily find LED bulbs in different sizes and styles, perfect for any room in your home.
4. Change Your Filters
When you are running your furnace or air conditioner continuously, it’s vital to change your filters from time to time. When filters get dirty and congested, it will push your AC unit or furnace to work harder to cool or heat your house. This extra effort consumes additional energy, which will translate to higher charges on your monthly bill.
5. Wash Laundry in Cold
Several of the most energy-hungry appliances in your home are your washer, clothes dryer, and water heater. To save funds using all three, wash your laundry in cold water and line-dry whenever feasible. This will not only help reduce the amount of energy your water heater uses to supply hot water to your home but can help you keep your house cooler by using your dryer less frequently, as well.
6. Air Dry Your Dishes
Another method to save on the electric bill is to adjust the settings on your dishwasher. If you always wash smaller loads, try changing to a quick wash cycle that will wash rapidly and use less energy. What’s more, opt for the air-dry feature rather than heat drying your dishes. This will help you save electricity, one load of dishes at once.
7. Cool Down Naturally
There are a few simple guidelines to make your AC run more efficiently during warmer months. If the outside temperature is cooler at night or early morning, open your windows to let the cool air in. Additionally, use table fans and ceiling fans to circulate the air in your home to make each room cold. Ultimately, close your blinds and curtains in the hottest parts of the day, letting the hot air out and the cool air in. All of these tips can help your AC unit run more efficiently and save on your electric bill.
Are you in the market for a more energy-efficient rental home in Salem? Contact us today and see what rentals we have available!
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