Most people don’t switch energy suppliers because they believe it’s complicated. However, it’s much easier than you think and could save you a lot of money.
The first thing you need to do is understand your utility bill. There are several components, including standing charges and electricity rates, that you can’t control.
Get an Energy Audit
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The first step in lowering your electricity bill is to get an energy audit. This will help you understand the line items on your energy bill, including the home energy charges.
These are the parts of your bill that you can control.
For example, an auditor will look for air leaks in your home by performing a blower test and using an infrared camera. Then they will recommend adding insulation to your home to reduce air leakage. This will save you money in the long run.
Another aspect of your bill is the per kilowatt-hour charge. This is what you can control by choosing a supplier that offers a fixed-rate plan. This will ensure that your per kilowatt-hour rate won’t change month to month.
Finally, you will also want to consider switching suppliers. This is a simple process and can save you significant amounts of money. Plus, you’ll still receive the same customer service that your utility provides. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to lower your energy bill!
Switch Suppliers
You can choose your electric company Dallas if you live in a deregulated energy market. This option allows you to find a provider with competitive rates and plans, which can help reduce your electricity bill. However, it’s important to understand your current contract stipulations and any fees or penalties for switching.
Start by finding a new provider with an online marketplace. Enter your ZIP code and select your electric distributor to see a list of suppliers that service your home. Each offer will include a price to compare, estimated monthly rate, additional fees, and term length and features.
Check that your state’s public utility commission has licensed the supplier you’re considering. Also, consider how your energy company bills – some will add their charges to your traditional utility consolidated bill, while others will send you a separate bill. Finally, be sure to look for a contract with a rescission period. This gives you a
window of time to cancel your plan without penalty. This is particularly important if your contract has recently expired or you’re in the middle of a fixed-rate plan.
Run Your Appliances at Night
With electricity prices rising, households are looking for small ways to cut costs. One option is to switch to an electricity tariff that offers cheaper rates at night. These tariffs charge higher rates during peak usage hours and offer cheaper energy at off-peak times. This system helps reduce demand on the power grid and can also help lower your carbon footprint by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
It’s worth remembering to switch off appliances when you aren’t using them and to unplug electronics that don’t need to be on. It’s estimated that for every 40-watt light bulb left on for an hour, you’re wasting 4 cents of electricity. This is known as phantom energy, which can add up to a big bill. Consider reducing your “always-on” appliances and switching to a time-of-use tariff to see the benefits.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Many of the appliances in your home use energy even when they’re turned off. This is called phantom power, standby power, or idle current, and it can add up to a large portion of your electric bill. You can reduce this by unplugging devices and using power
strips to cut off the electricity when you’re not using them. Unplugging your electronics and appliances could save you up to $100 annually!
Also, consider replacing old appliances with energy-efficient ones. They will not only save you money on your electric bills, but they’ll also help to reduce your carbon footprint. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label to find the best options.
Some utility companies offer time-of-use plans that allow you to pay less for electricity during off-peak hours. Check your company’s website for more details.
Install Energy-Efficient Lighting
While replacing your old incandescent light bulbs with LEDs or CFLs may seem expensive, they will save you money and reduce electricity use. These lighting options are 80% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer.
Unplugging devices like computers, tablets, and TVs, when they are not in use can help lower your electricity bills. Many electronics continue to draw energy, even in standby mode when turned off, and can soak up 11% of the average home’s power usage. An advanced power strip can help to lower your electric bills by eliminating this phantom load.
Some electricity companies offer time-of-use plans where you can pay a different price for using electricity at specific hours. By capitalizing on these lower off-peak rates, you can save up to seven percent each year on your electric bills.
These simple steps can make a big difference in your electricity costs. It does not have to take much money or effort, and it can be done no matter the size of your home or budget.