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Statistics show that a typical family spends approximately $1,400 or more on utilities per year. Of course, the bill is higher when you have to run your AC more frequently during the summers. 

We depend on electricity for just about everything at home, offices, and businesses. This dependence has led to increased energy consumption, raising electric bills. 

It’s helpful to reduce usage to cut down on electric expenses. Here are five tips to reduce your Richmond electric bill today. 

Leave the AC on and Go for Extra Insulation

This step might appear the opposite of what you should be doing in a bid to save some dollars. However, leaving your AC on and running at a steady temperature when away from home can be cost-saving in the long run.

If you leave your air conditioner running at a constant temperature of 72 degrees, you’ll get home to a cold house. You won’t need to overwork your system trying to cool your house down.

At the same time, insulating your home an extra amount is beneficial because it helps keep your home cool. Similarly, it helps maintain warmth during the winter months. 

Check your walls, windows, and pipes and wrap extra insulation. It reduces the need for heating, bringing down your electricity bill. Additional insulation on pipes also ensures your water heater gets a break. It doesn’t work hard as such and helps keep your pipes from freezing too.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Somebody pressing a button on an adjustable thermostat

Heating and cooling are the most significant contributors to electricity bills at home. The AC system consumes the most energy. Of course, this depends on the outside temperatures and your preferences.

Fortunately, a programmable thermostat can help you reduce your energy consumption, subsequently lowering your electricity bills. A smart thermostat allows you to set the temperature based on various times of the day.

The thermostat adjusts the temperatures automatically, helping your home become more energy-efficient. When away from home or asleep, program the device to low energy levels to save some money. 

Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances

Some energy-efficient appliances you can invest in include those that run most often, such as:

  • HVAC systems 
  • Fridges 
  • Washers and dryers
  • Water heaters 
  • TVs
  • Dehumidifiers

Also, it’s advisable to purchase appliances, such as dishwashers and water heaters, with the Energy Star label. They are energy-efficient, helping cut electricity costs. 

Ensure all your appliances are clean, repaired, and working well regularly. Remember, an improperly-working appliance is an energy drain. It’s better to spend money repairing or replacing it than suffering from increased energy consumption over time. 

Use Appliances Strategically

A full dishwasher in a kitchen with white cupboards.

Strategic use of appliances can help lower your energy bills. Keeping electronics and appliances on accounts for approximately 11% or more of energy usage in a home.

Examples of strategic use of appliances include:

  • Drying your clothes in the dryer consecutively, instead of waiting between loads of clothes
  • Loading the dishwasher entirely before turning it on
  • Doing your laundry with cold water
  • Using smart power strips
  • Installing dimmer switches

Schedule an Electrical Inspection and Energy Audit

We recommend calling in a professional electrical inspector to check for any issues with your wiring or lights. If any, have them repaired as soon as possible.

An energy audit includes a review of your home, office, or business energy demands. The auditor will then compile information on where you can reduce energy consumption.

You should consult a certified electrician to do this job. They will check for:

  • Any air leaks 
  • Insulation problems 
  • Areas to install energy-efficient lighting 

This knowledge and any repairs will be beneficial in the long run, reducing power consumption and your electric bill.

A gloved electrician working on a main electrical breaker

Reduce Your Electric Bill Today!

If you plan on having an electrical inspection or energy audit, we’re here to help. At U.S Electric, we have over 30 years of electrical experience. 

You can be sure our team of licensed professionals will handle all your electric needs. We’ll assist you with a tailored energy plan to meet your personal and business needs.

Call us today! One of our electricians will help you learn more about how you can reduce your energy usage and lower your electric bill.