7 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bills

Everyone enjoys saving money so here are some useful ideas to help you reduce your energy costs! Not only will you be saving money, but you'll also be helping the environment!

1. Monitor your energy consumption. Most utility companies offer a detailed breakdown of your usage, allowing you to see exactly how much energy you consume. Keeping track of your usage enables you to make adjustments where necessary. This not only helps you tailor your consumption but also allows you to maintain a record to measure the effectiveness of your efforts in reducing energy costs.

2. Consider peak hours.  Many utility companies have peak rate hours, during which charges are higher. Contact your utility provider to learn about these hours and try to schedule your usage outside of them. Save activities like laundry and running the dishwasher for off-peak times to avoid higher rates.

3. Cut costs on laundry. Approximately 90 percent of the energy used by your washing machine goes towards heating. To save, wash your clothes in cold water. Line dry them for even more savings. Ensure you only wash full loads to minimize usage and clean out the dryer lint to ensure optimal dryer performance.

4. Maintain a cool home environment. Using blinds and curtains helps keep your home cool. The Florida sun can be intense, and by keeping the heat out, your AC won't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.

5. Utilize power strips. Electronics can consume electricity even when not in use if they're plugged in. Unplugging devices like TVs or computers each time may not be practical and is easy to forget. Instead, plug them into a power strip and turn it off when not in use. This way, all your electronics are in one place, reducing the chance of forgetting to switch off the power strip.

6. Schedule your AC. Many thermostats allow you to program your AC according to your schedule. This ensures it cools only when you're home, preventing unnecessary operation. It's simple, convenient, and gives you peace of mind knowing you're not wasting money.

7. Change the AC filter monthly. Replacing the AC filter every 30 days keeps your unit running efficiently and can save you money. A dirty filter forces the AC system to work harder to cool the air, impacting your utility bill.