Most consumers are very selective when it comes to choosing their phone service provider, deciding which gas station to go to save the most amount of money, or picking a car insurance company that has the cheapest rates. However, when it comes to saving on the costs of electric bills, very few residents know exactly what they are paying for or how to lower your costs.
This article will lay out 10 different strategies you can do to help drastically lower your electricity bill so that you can save and spend money on the things in life that are really important to you.
- Determine the cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity used per month.
I know this sounds pretty confusing, but it is really simple, and will take you just a few minutes to figure out. To do this, take your total cost on the electric bill and divide it by the total kilowatt-hours. You’ll see how this step will save you money in the next few steps. You can then use this info to find the best business electricity prices possible.
- Do not choose a standard or basic plan from your utility company
Too many customers choose the standard plan because it is easier to understand. However, the standard plan will end up costing the most amount of money.
A standard APS plan, during the hottest months (May through October), ranges in cost from 9.69 to 17.26 cents per kilowatt-hour, depending on the usage rate. However, with some of the other available plans, you have the option of having low-cost times and high-cost times, which can save you a fortune.
- Avoid using the A/C from 12pm to 7pm
In combination with tip #2 above, if you purchase a plan such as the APS Time Advantage plan, you can save a ton of money by only using energy outside of the hours of 12pm-7pm.
Since people are more likely to use things such as the A/C and fans during times of the day when it is really hot, utility companies really increase the prices during these times.
In plans such as the APS Time Advantage Plan, during 7 p.m. – 12 p.m. on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday, the cost is 6.62 cents per kilowatt-hour. From 12pm to 7pm Monday through Friday, however, the cost is 24.48 cents per kilowatt-hour. (That’s almost 4 times the price!)
Use A/C, turn your fan on, and use appliances outside the hours of 12pm to 7pm to save a ton of money.
- Run washing machines and dryers at night and in the morning instead of the afternoon
By running washing machines during non-peak hours, such as during nighttime and morning time, your energy costs will go down substantially and you will save a good chunk of money.
- Run the A/C at night and in the morning
By doing this, you can help keep your house cool, so that during peak hours when the A/C is turned off, the house will still be at a nice temperature.
- Be aware of “demand charges”
Often time, utility companies offer lower costs to reel in unknowing customers only to impose what is called a “demand charge” on them. What this means is although energy costs are lower, which is great for saving money, a demand charge of over $13 will be given for every kilowatt (which is different than a kilowatt-hour) used during the hour that you use the most amount of energy during the month.
In simpler terms, you will get charged substantially more during the day of the month that you use the most amount of energy.
For example, if you decide to throw a party one night for all of your friends and family and you use a lot of energy, in the form of A/C, cooking, dishwasher, etc., the utility company will charge $13.50 per kilowatt used, which can drastically increase your bill by $100 or more.
- Keep your drapes closed to help keep the heat out
By closing your drapes, it helps to insulate your house and keep the heat away, which can greatly decrease your electricity bill.
- Avoid taking baths
Taking showers uses less water. Instead of taking baths, try to take short showers instead to help save on energy costs!
- Switch to LEDs
LED light bulbs are way more efficient and save up to $80 over the course of the bulb’s lifespan. Using LEDs, as well as turning off unused lights, can help decrease costs on your energy bill.
- Use cold water or warm water when possible
Using hot water costs a lot more in energy than using cold water. Whether it is your dishwasher, your laundry machine, or taking a shower, it can save a substantial amount of money if you use cold water, rather than hot water.
