21 Ways to Save More on Your Electric Bill

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. Lower The Thermostat 2 Degrees Before Bed

Okay babe, you do not need your house feeling like a beach resort at midnight.

Drop it 2 degrees before bed and let your blankets do the extra work.

Watch what happens next:

  • Cut Heating Costs: Lower the setting nightly and reduce overnight energy use.
  • Sleep Cozy: Use thicker blankets and skip overheating rooms.
  • Stabilize Your Bill: Keep monthly charges from jumping unexpectedly.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Before brushing your teeth tonight, walk to the thermostat and lower it exactly 2 degrees, then grab one extra throw blanket for your bed.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a programmable thermostat that adjusts automatically while you sleep.


2. Turn Off Power Strips Before You Leave The House

Ever notice how everything glows even when it is “off”?

Flip the strip switch before heading out and stop feeding appliances free electricity.

It is a tiny move with real impact:

  • Stop Standby Drain: Switch off strips and reduce background energy use.
  • Lower Daily Costs: Prevent devices from pulling power all day.
  • Build A Quick Habit: Make it part of grabbing your keys routine.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Right before you lock the door, reach down and flip off one main power strip in your living room or office.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a surge protector with a big easy-to-hit on-off button.


3. Replace The 5 Most Used Bulbs In Your Home With LED

Girl, old bulbs burn cash like it is their job.

Swap out the 5 most-used ones first and you will see the difference fast.

Start where it matters most:

  • Lower Electricity Use: Replace high-traffic bulbs and cut daily power draw.
  • Last Longer: Avoid frequent replacements with longer lifespan bulbs.
  • Brighten Efficiently: Keep rooms well lit without high energy cost.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Walk through your home and replace the bulbs in your kitchen, living room, hallway, and 2 bedrooms with LED versions today.

How I Made It Easy: Consider an LED multipack to change them all in one trip.


4. Run The Washer Only When You Have A Full Load

Half loads cost almost the same as full ones, and that feels rude, right?

Wait until the basket is full and make each cycle count.

Here is what you gain:

  • Use Less Water: Run fewer cycles each week.
  • Lower Energy Use: Reduce repeated wash sessions.
  • Extend Machine Life: Put less wear on your washer.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Hold off on starting laundry until your hamper is full unless it is an emergency school uniform moment.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a divided laundry hamper to sort loads ahead of time.


5. Wash Clothes In Cold Water Instead Of Hot

Hot water feels powerful, but it bumps up your bill fast.

Switch to cold for everyday loads and save money without changing your routine.

Simple shift, real payoff:

  • Cut Heating Costs: Choose cold cycles and reduce energy use instantly.
  • Protect Fabrics: Keep clothes from fading or shrinking.
  • Lower Monthly Totals: Reduce electricity tied to water heating.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Next time you start a load, turn the dial to cold and leave it there for all regular laundry.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a detergent made specifically for cold water washing.

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6. Air Dry Towels Instead Of Using The Dryer

Dryers love thick towels because they run forever, babe.

Hang them up instead and let air handle the job.

You will feel this one:

  • Reduce Dryer Time: Shorten high-energy cycles weekly.
  • Save Electricity: Skip extra heat for bulky items.
  • Extend Towel Life: Prevent over-drying damage.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: After washing towels, hang them over a rack or shower rod instead of tossing them into the dryer.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a foldable indoor drying rack for easy setup.


7. Clean The Dryer Vent Hose Twice A Year

Lint buildup makes your dryer work harder than it should.

Clear the vent twice a year and help it run smoother.

It is easier than it sounds:

  • Improve Airflow: Remove trapped lint from the vent hose.
  • Shorten Dry Cycles: Help clothes dry faster.
  • Lower Energy Use: Reduce strain on the motor.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Unplug your dryer, detach the vent hose, and vacuum out built-up lint every 6 months.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a dryer vent cleaning brush kit for deeper cleaning.


8. Keep The Fridge Door Closed While You Decide What To Eat

Standing there with the door open feels innocent, but your fridge is working overtime.

Decide first, then open it and grab what you need.

It sounds silly, but listen:

  • Reduce Cold Air Loss: Keep chilled air from escaping.
  • Help The Fridge Run Better: Prevent extra cooling cycles.
  • Lower Power Use: Cut down on unnecessary compressor work.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Think through what you want before opening the fridge, then grab everything in one quick move.

How I Made It Easy: Consider clear fridge bins to see items faster.


9. Vacuum The Refrigerator Coils To Help It Run Better

Dusty coils make your fridge sweat, girl.

Clean them and let the motor breathe a little.

This one is low effort, big reward:

  • Improve Efficiency: Remove dust from coils twice a year.
  • Lower Electricity Use: Reduce strain on the cooling system.
  • Extend Appliance Life: Help your fridge last longer.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Pull your fridge slightly forward, unplug it, and vacuum the coils underneath or behind it today.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a slim coil cleaning brush that fits tight spaces.


10. Close The Curtains During The Hottest Part Of The Day

Sunlight looks pretty, but it heats your rooms fast.

Close the curtains at peak heat hours and give your AC a break.

Trust me on this one:

  • Block Heat Gain: Keep direct sunlight from warming the space.
  • Reduce AC Usage: Delay turning on cooling systems.
  • Lower Summer Bills: Maintain indoor temperature more easily.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Around noon, close curtains on windows that get direct sun and reopen them in the evening.

How I Made It Easy: Consider thermal blackout curtains for rooms that heat up quickly.


11. Use Ceiling Fans First Before Turning On The AC

Before you crank the AC, try the fan and see if that breeze does the trick.

Sometimes all you need is airflow, not a full blast Arctic moment, right babe?

Here is what that switch changes:

  • Lower AC Usage: Turn on fans first and delay cooling cycles.
  • Improve Air Circulation: Keep rooms feeling cooler without extra energy.
  • Reduce Peak Costs: Use less electricity during high-demand hours.
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👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: When the room feels warm, flip on the ceiling fan for 15 minutes before touching the thermostat.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a ceiling fan remote control kit to adjust speed without getting up.


12. Change The Air Filter Every 2 To 3 Months

A dirty air filter makes your system work overtime, and nobody asked for that.

Swap it out every 2 to 3 months and help your AC breathe easier.

This one is such a grown-woman move:

  • Improve Airflow: Replace clogged filters and allow smoother circulation.
  • Lower Energy Use: Help your system run with less strain.
  • Extend System Life: Reduce wear on your HVAC unit.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Check the size printed on your current filter and replace it today if it looks dusty or gray.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a subscription air filter delivery service to avoid forgetting.


13. Unplug Chargers When They Are Not In Use

Chargers sitting in outlets still pull power, even when nothing is attached.

Pop them out after use and stop paying for invisible energy.

Tiny habit, steady savings:

  • Cut Phantom Drain: Remove chargers from outlets after charging.
  • Lower Daily Usage: Reduce background electricity draw.
  • Keep Outlets Clear: Make your space look less cluttered.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: After unplugging your phone, pull the charger block out of the wall instead of leaving it there.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a wall outlet timer to control charging hours automatically.


14. Turn Off The Heated Dry Setting On The Dishwasher

That heated dry button feels fancy, but air works just fine.

Skip the extra heat cycle and let dishes dry naturally.

It is an easy win:

  • Reduce Energy Use: Turn off heated dry before starting each load.
  • Lower Appliance Strain: Limit high-heat cycles.
  • Cut Monthly Costs: Decrease electricity from extra heating.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Before pressing start, switch off the heated dry option and crack the door open after the wash finishes.

How I Made It Easy: Consider using the eco mode setting on your dishwasher if available.


15. Cook Multiple Meals In The Oven At The Same Time

If the oven is already hot, use it like you mean it.

Bake tomorrow’s protein while tonight’s dinner cooks and maximize that heat.

Efficiency queen energy, honestly:

  • Use One Heating Cycle: Cook 2 meals during one oven session.
  • Lower Total Energy Use: Avoid reheating the oven later.
  • Save Time Tomorrow: Have leftovers ready to go.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: While baking dinner tonight, add an extra tray of chicken or veggies for another meal.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a 2-tier oven rack extender to fit more trays at once.


16. Lower The Water Heater Setting Slightly

No one needs boiling lava showers, bestie.

Turn the dial down a notch and keep things warm without overheating.

Small tweak, real difference:

  • Reduce Heating Costs: Lower the temperature setting slightly.
  • Maintain Comfort: Keep showers comfortably warm.
  • Decrease Energy Demand: Cut power used to heat water daily.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Adjust the water heater dial down one small level and test your shower temperature tomorrow morning.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a water heater thermometer gauge to monitor accuracy.

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17. Seal The Gap Under Your Front And Back Doors

Feel that tiny breeze by your feet?

That is outdoor air sneaking in and messing with your thermostat.

Fix it fast:

  • Block Drafts: Install a door sweep to stop airflow.
  • Maintain Indoor Temperature: Keep cooled or heated air inside.
  • Lower Energy Use: Reduce constant system cycling.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Check under your doors today and install a simple door draft stopper if you see light or feel air.

How I Made It Easy: Consider an adjustable door sweep that screws on easily.


18. Turn Off Bathroom And Bedroom Lights During The Day

Daylight is free, babe, and it looks better anyway.

Flip off unnecessary lights when the sun is already doing the job.

It feels obvious, but it adds up:

  • Use Natural Light: Keep lights off in bright rooms.
  • Lower Daily Usage: Reduce unnecessary daytime electricity.
  • Build Awareness: Notice when lights stay on for no reason.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Mid-morning, walk through your home and turn off any lights that are not needed.

How I Made It Easy: Consider installing motion-sensor light switches in low-traffic areas.


19. Use Natural Light Instead Of Turning On Lamps

Sunlight makes your space glow without costing a thing.

Open the blinds before reaching for a lamp switch.

Simple and effective:

  • Brighten Rooms Naturally: Pull back curtains in the morning.
  • Reduce Lamp Usage: Avoid turning on multiple light fixtures.
  • Lower Electricity Costs: Use daylight during peak hours.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: As soon as you wake up, open the curtains in your main living area instead of flipping on overhead lights.

How I Made It Easy: Consider light-filtering curtains that let in brightness without glare.


20. Shorten Showers By Just 3 Minutes

Three minutes does not sound dramatic, but it makes a difference.

Cut them slightly shorter and reduce the energy needed to heat water.

Little discipline, real payoff:

  • Lower Water Heating Costs: Spend less time under hot water.
  • Reduce Daily Energy Use: Decrease demand on your heater.
  • Save Gallons Weekly: Use fewer gallons each shower.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Set a 7-minute timer on your phone before stepping into the shower and step out when it rings.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a waterproof shower timer that sticks to your tile.


21. Run Large Appliances During Off Peak Hours

Electric rates can spike during busy daytime hours.

Run heavy appliances in the evening and avoid peak demand charges.

Smart timing wins:

  • Lower Usage Rates: Schedule laundry or dishwashing after dinner.
  • Reduce Grid Strain: Avoid running appliances during high demand.
  • Keep Bills Predictable: Shift energy use to cheaper hours.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Start your washer or dishwasher after 8 pm instead of during the afternoon rush.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a programmable appliance timer to control start times automatically.


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Lily Thompson

Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: making life easier and sharing what works. I created ''Like Mom Said'' after one too many moments of realizing: "My mom was right about this." Turns out, a lot of that old-school wisdom still holds up... it just needs a modern spin. Think of me as your friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand.)