20 Simple Ways You Can Reduce Your Electric Bill

It's summer, and while the warmer weather is perfect for cookouts, swimming, and walking the dog, it's not always great for your electric bill. Here are 20 simple ways you can reduce your electric bill and stay cool this summer!
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1. Call your utility company provider and find out if they offer discounts during non-peak energy usage hours. If so, use your appliances during those times.
2. Wash your clothes in cold water, which uses less energy.
3. Only wash laundry when you have a full load.
4. Air dry your clothes instead of using your dryer.

5. If you are drying your clothes, use dryer balls, which help dry clothing faster.
6. Clean out your dryer lint trap so it doesn't have to work as hard to dry your clothes. 
7. Use your microwave instead of your oven, which uses less energy. 
8. Clean the coils on your refrigerator so it doesn't have to work as hard to keep your food cool. ​
9. Close the curtains in rooms that receive a lot of sunlight.

10. Close the vents in rooms you don't use often so your air conditioning is directed to where it's most needed.
11. Replace your lightbulbs with LED bulbs. 
12. Apply a tinted window film to block sunlight from entering through windows. 
13. Purchase a programable thermostat so you can decide when to heat or cool your home, even if you're not there, thus saving on your energy bill.
14. Plant trees in front of windows to block light. ​

15. When using your dishwasher, don't turn on the heat dry setting, as it uses extra energy. 
16. Upgrade to Energy Star appliances, which naturally help you save money due to their efficiency. 
17. Clean any debris away from your air conditioner so it can run smoothly. 
18. Lower the temperature on your water heater to save on standby heat losses. 
19. Install low flow shower heads to save water.
20. Try not to block your vents with furniture.