Lower Your Electric Bill With These Smart Energy Saving Tips
If you’ve ever opened your electric bill and thought, “There has to be a way to lower this,” you’re not alone! The good news is, there are plenty of simple changes you can make around your home to reduce energy usage — and save real money each month. Whether you’re looking for quick fixes or long-term strategies, these practical energy-saving tips can help.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means information on purchasing products. I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
To Lower Your Electric Bill, Adjust Your Thermostat Settings
Heating and cooling make up a large portion of your energy use. You can lower your electric bill by following these tips with your thermostat:
- In the summer, set your thermostat a little higher when you’re home (around 78°F is recommended) and even higher when you’re away.
- In the winter, set it lower (around 68°F when you’re home) and lower still when you’re sleeping or out.
A programmable thermostat can help automate these settings so you don’t have to think about it. For me, that was a big part of the solution. I have my thermostat set to the temperatures I want for when I’m home, but when I’m out, they’re adjusted so I can save.
Energy Saving Tip: Use Ceiling Fans for Air Circulation
A ceiling fan can make your room feel cooler when it’s hot, and it can make it feel warmer by properly circulating heat when it’s cold.
- In the summer, the blades on your ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise to push cooler air downward.
- In the winter, the blades on your ceiling fan should rotate clockwise to push the warmer air that’s risen to your ceiling downward.
Seal Up Drafts and Air Leaks to Lower Your Electric Bill
Small air leaks can waste a lot of energy – that in turn causes higher electric bills.
- Check around windows, doors, and even electrical outlets.
- Use weather stripping, caulk, or draft excluders to seal gaps where outside air sneaks in.
- Consider adding insulation to attics, basements, or crawlspaces if needed.
Stopping drafts helps your home stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer — without cranking the HVAC.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting
Upgrading old appliances or even switching light bulbs can make a noticeable difference if you are hoping to lower your electric bills.
- Look for ENERGY STAR-rated appliances if you’re replacing anything major. This energy saving tip may cost a little more up front, but you’ll save on electric in the long run. Check for ENERGY STAR rebates here by your zip code, and find and compare ENERGY STAR products. Clean energy tax credits may also be available.
- Swap out traditional bulbs for LED bulbs — they use up to 80% less energy and last much longer. We switched all bulbs to LED bulbs and haven’t had to change any of them in several years!
Even small changes, like using a smart power strip to cut “phantom” energy use from plugged-in devices, can add up over time.
Be Smart About Water Heating
Water heating is another big energy expense. To lower your electric bill:
- Lower your water heater temperature to 120°F — it’s usually hot enough for most households.
- Install low-flow showerheads to reduce the amount of hot water used without sacrificing comfort.
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible to save even more.
Think About How You’re Cooking
I change how I cook with the seasons – it makes a big difference!
- In the summer, I focus on not lighting the oven. Instead, I’ll use an air fryer, Instant Pot, crockpot, toaster oven, or microwave. I also tend to grill outside on the barbeque. If you’re not familiar with the difference between an Instant Pot and a crockpot, I wrote an article explaining it.
- In the winter, I cook in the oven to take advantage of the heat it provides. I also tend to use the stovetop burners more often.
Make Small Daily Changes
Sometimes it’s the little things that build great habits:
- Turn off lights when you leave a room.
- Unplug chargers and electronics when they’re not in use.
- Take advantage of energy saving power mode to shut appliances not in use.
- Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads to maximize efficiency.
- Hang clothes to dry when possible instead of using the dryer.
These small changes might not seem like much individually, but together they can noticeably lower your electric bill over time.
Want Specific Product Recommendations?
If you’re looking for specific products — like the best programmable thermostats, weather-stripping kits, energy-efficient appliances, or smart power strips — I’ve put together a full guide with top-rated suggestions.
👉 Check out my energy-saving product recommendations here.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Lowering Your Electric Bill
What is the quickest way to lower my electric bill?
Adjusting your thermostat settings by a few degrees and sealing air leaks around windows and doors are two of the fastest ways to cut energy costs.
Do LED light bulbs really make a difference in energy savings?
Yes! LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, making them a simple, cost-effective switch.
How much can sealing air leaks save on my energy bill?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing drafts can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs each year.
Is it worth installing a programmable thermostat?
Absolutely. A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust your home’s temperature for maximum efficiency, often leading to significant energy savings over time.
Final Thoughts
Lowering your electric bill doesn’t have to mean major renovations or complicated systems. Small, mindful changes can make a real impact — both on your wallet and your overall energy use. Start with a few easy adjustments, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can save!
I’m all about saving money and smart spending. If you want to lower your water bills, read How to Save Money on the Water Bill. If you spend too much on cable, internet, and phone bills, you may be interested in Cutting the Cord. To keep more of your hard-earned money when selling a home, read FSBO Made Simple – For Sale By Owner Tips for Beginners. Maybe you want to get away but feel like you can’t afford it – check out How to Afford a Vacation. Do you think you’re Overspending and want to learn how to stop? Need to know about Budgeting and How to Make a Family Budget? Then you’re in the right place at Save Money Fever!
