Lowering your electrical usage doesn’t just put cash back in your pocket, it also reduces your environmental footprint. When the heat of summer starts to bring higher than average electrical bills, it’s smart to start looking for ways to save electricity.

What are some ways you can reduce your monthly electrical bill? Let’s take a look:

1) Pick Energy Star Products

#Fact: Since 1995, @EPA @ENERGYSTAR homeowners have collectively saved billions of dollars on energy bills. pic.twitter.com/ZwkwGxp0G0
— ENERGY STAR Homes (@ENERGYSTARHomes) September 5, 2016
The Energy Star Rating System started in 1992, and has since helped to remove billions of tons of greenhouse gasses from the Earth’s environments. In addition to saving the planet from toxic chemicals, Energy Star also uses its rating system to help shoppers identify energy efficient appliances like microwaves, ovens, and more.

If you intend to lower your electricity bill and are already in the market for new household appliances, make a point to purchase something that is Energy Star approved.

2) Update Old Appliances

We’re brewing up the next big thing … enjoy hot single-serve brewing at your fridge: https://t.co/JV61jQ9Sew pic.twitter.com/vUguhX7RMM
— GE Appliances (@GE_Appliances) July 7, 2016
Old appliances are…well…old. Over time, household appliances like washing machines and refrigerators stop working well and can “pull” more electricity than they actually need. If you’ve noticed your electricity bill is increasing steadily, outdated appliances may be the culprit.

3) Wash Clothes on the Cold Cycle

Spacious Luxury Laundry Room#interiordesign #laundry pic.twitter.com/SZr8pJ6Lzn
— the Laundry Shoppe (@LaundryShoppe) September 19, 2016
The water heaters in many homes are powered via electricity. If the hot water heater in your home is powered with electricity, using the cold cycle of your washer is a great way to save money without making any investments up-front.

4) Consider Upgrading to Smart Electrical Devices

#Smartenergy is the no1 driver for smart home installations, with #IoT sales set to rise by 40% in 2016 https://t.co/0Z1YexrbW9
— DraytonHeating (@DraytonHeating) September 17, 2016

Smart electrical devices are good for more than just answering the doorbell with your cell phone. If you have a small budget for home improvements available, consider updating some of your home’s lighting to LED.

5) Install Overhead Ceiling Fans

What you should know about buying a #ceilingfan to make your renovation a breeze! https://t.co/7i78PoxWkx by @zillow pic.twitter.com/5NtqVfdqjk
— Daniel Enterprises (@DEroofingus) September 15, 2016
It’s hard not to reach over and turn up the air conditioner in the heat of the summer, and yet your A/C is likely the source of electricity bills. Thankfully, overhead ceiling fans are an affordable alternative to running (and maintaining) an air conditioner.

6) Insulate & Seal Your Home

We want to help you seal & insulate your home this winter! Let us know how we can help #RuleYourAttic pic.twitter.com/C9KwbIx09b
— ENERGY STAR (@ENERGYSTAR) September 28, 2016

The design of your home may play a factor in the size of your electrical bill. In 2009, studies show that comfort was the #1 reason Australian households installed insulation. When household aspects like insulation and sealant become old (or where never installed in the first place) they can allow hot and cool air to escape your home though small spaces in the framing, siding, and roof. By updating the insulation and sealant throughout your home, you can lower your electricity bill and maybe even justify running the air conditioner a little more often.

Creating a home that is energy conscious and efficient is a long-term process. If you’re starting out with a limited budget, try reducing your electricity bill by building good habits (like remembering to turn off appliances when they’re not in use) as you save for electrical renovations.

If you have any questions about the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, contact one of our team members on 0-261-715-694.