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The Practical Result:
- Your electric bill can drop by $20–$100 per month depending on usage
- More money stays in your checking account instead of going to the utility company
- Your monthly power cost becomes easier to predict and plan around
1. Lower The AC By 2 Degrees Before Bed
That small 2-degree change keeps your system from running all night while everyone sleeps under blankets anyway.
Start Small With This: Bump the thermostat up 2 degrees before bed tonight and keep it there until morning.
2. Turn Off The Ice Maker If It’s Not Being Used
Ice makers cycle on and off all day, even when no one grabs ice, and that constant chill uses extra power.
Here’s A Simple Trick: Flip the ice maker switch off if you don’t use it daily.
3. Stop Running The Dryer On The Extra Dry Setting
Extra dry adds 10–20 more minutes of heat that most clothes don’t need.
The Easy Starting Point Is: Switch to the normal setting and pull clothes out as soon as they feel dry.
4. Move Lamps Away From Thermostats
A lamp near the thermostat tricks it into thinking the room is warmer than it really is.
Do It Like This: Slide any heat-producing lamp or TV at least a few feet away from the thermostat today.
5. Cook Multiple Meals At Once When The Oven Is On
Heating the oven once uses less electricity than heating it 3 separate times.
Here’s A Quick Way: Bake tomorrow’s dinner while tonight’s meal cooks so the oven runs once instead of twice.
6. Use The Dishwasher Air-Dry Setting Instead Of Heat-Dry
The heat-dry cycle uses a heating element that pulls extra power at the end of every wash.
Give This A Try: Turn off heat-dry and crack the dishwasher door open to let dishes air dry.
7. Close The Fireplace Flue When It’s Not In Use
An open flue lets warm or cool air escape like a hidden window left open.
One Thing That Helps Is: Double-check that the flue stays fully closed after every use.
8. Keep The Garage Door Closed During Hot Afternoons
Hot air floods the garage fast and seeps into rooms nearby, which makes your AC work harder.
To Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed: Keep the garage door closed during peak afternoon heat.
9. Unplug The Second Fridge In The Garage If It’s Mostly Empty
Old or half-empty garage fridges run constantly, especially in hot weather.
Here’s What To Do: Empty it out and unplug it if it only stores a few drinks.
10. Replace That Old Fridge If It’s Over 15 Years Old
Older fridges use far more electricity than newer energy-efficient models.
Begin With This: Check the age sticker inside the fridge and start budgeting if it’s over 15 years old.
11. Keep The AC Fan On Auto Instead Of On
The “On” setting runs the fan nonstop, even when cooling isn’t needed.
The Most Doable Way Is: Switch the fan setting to “Auto” so it runs only during cooling cycles.
12. Wash Big Loads Instead Of Several Small Ones
Running 3 small loads uses more energy than 1 full load.
If You Want To Keep It Easy: Wait until you have a full load before starting the washer.
13. Set A Reminder To Check Your Utility Rate Once A Year
Utility plans change, and staying on an old rate can cost more over time.
Instead, Try This: Add a yearly calendar reminder to review your current electric rate.
14. Avoid Using The Oven During Peak Afternoon Hours
Peak hours sometimes cost more per kilowatt, depending on your plan.
The Easier Approach Is: Cook earlier in the day or later in the evening when rates may be lower.
15. Install A Simple Door Sweep On Exterior Doors
A small gap under a door lets cooled or heated air slip out all day long.
Here’s A Small Step That Helps: Attach a door sweep to the bottom of drafty exterior doors.
This gets easier if you use a Suptikes Door Draft Stopper to block air from escaping under the door.
16. Keep Vents Clear From Furniture And Curtains
Blocked vents make air flow uneven and force your system to run longer.
Here’s A Gentle Way To Start: Move couches, beds, and curtains at least a few inches away from vents.
17. Use Cold Water For Rinsing Dishes By Hand
Hot water pulls energy from the water heater every time you rinse.
If You’re Not Sure Where To Start: Turn the faucet to cold when rinsing plates that aren’t greasy.
18. Turn Off The Bathroom Fan 10 Minutes After A Shower
Bathroom fans left running too long pull conditioned air out of the house.
The Less Stressful Way Is: Set a 10-minute timer and switch the fan off when it rings.
19. Keep The Fridge Temperature At 37 Degrees
Setting it colder than needed makes the compressor work harder.
Here’s The Shortcut Version: Adjust the fridge to 37 degrees and the freezer to 0 degrees.
20. Use Smart Plugs For Electronics That Stay On All Day
Devices like printers and speakers sip electricity all day even when idle.
To Make This Feel More Doable: Plug them into smart plugs and schedule shut-off times.
It will be way faster if you use Kasa Smart Plugs to control power from your phone without crawling behind furniture.
21. Schedule Laundry For Early Morning Or Late Evening
Some electric plans charge more during high-demand afternoon hours.
One Easy Reset Is: Run laundry before 9 am or after 8 pm when demand may be lower, girl.
📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌
