Are you looking for effective ways to lower your monthly electric bill? From energy-saving upgrades to everyday habits, this guide will help you lower your monthly electricity costs. It’s easier than you might think!
Every winter, it can feel like the electric bill is creeping up. You think everything is going well… until you open that email from your support company and wonder how in the world the number got so high.
But you can make a few simple changes that really add up. Saving your electricity bill doesn’t mean shivering under ten blankets or living by candlelight. With a few thoughtful habits and practical shifts in your home, you can stay comfortable and keep more money in your pocket each month.
Whether you’re dealing with rising prices, an old house that doesn’t work, or you’re just trying to manage your utilities, these strategies can help you lower your electric bill without feeling deprived.
How to Lower Your Electric Bill Easily
Use (or Upgrade to) a Programmable Thermostat
One of the most effective ways to quickly cut your electric bill is to use a programmable thermostat. Instead of heating or cooling your home in full swing throughout the day, a programmable thermostat lets you set temperatures based on your rhythm.
If you are away from home during the day or sleeping at night, you can lower the temperature during those hours and raise it only when you really need it. Studies show that adjusting your thermostat by 7–10 degrees for part of the day can save you up to 10% a year, which is a significant amount in the long run.
If your home still has a manual thermostat, upgrading it doesn’t have to be expensive. Even basic programmable models work well and pay for themselves. Smart thermostats can take the guesswork out of it all by automatically adjusting, reading your schedule, and even giving you energy reports so you can see exactly where you’re saving.
Get it without burning the whole house
One of my favorite ways to save, especially during the colder months, is to just embrace the comfort. Lowering the thermostat doesn’t have to make your home feel cold or uncomfortable. Wearing thick socks, grabbing a warm blanket, or keeping a cozy hoodie close can make a big difference in how warm you feel without fixing the heat. I’ve found that on days when I’m laid up and always working around the house, I never notice that the thermostat is set low.
Hot drinks help, too. A cup of tea or a bowl of soup warms you from the inside out. Baking something in the oven can add a little warmth to the kitchen while giving you delicious food to enjoy. This is a small, simple luxury, but it makes lowering the heat much more possible, and enjoyable.
Seal Drafts and Temperature Leaks Prevent
Your home may be losing warm or cool air without you realizing it, and unfortunately, heating and cooling outside is one of the fastest ways to drive up an electric bill. Doors, windows, and small gaps around floorboards and pipes can allow indoor air to escape.
Sealing off those areas can improve the efficiency of your home. Weather stripping on doors and windows is affordable and easy to install. If your windows are older, plastic window film can make a noticeable difference in keeping cold air out.
Curtains also play an amazing role in temperature control. Thick or closed curtains help block drafts in winter and prevent sunlight from overheating in summer. Some families also save money by closing off rooms they rarely use so they don’t heat or cool the space unnecessarily. Little by little, you’re helping your home maintain the temperature you’re paying for, which leads to savings every month.
Reduce Appliance and Hot Water Usage
Electric bills aren’t just about your thermostat. Large appliances like water heaters, dryers, dishwashers, and even appliances that stay plugged in around the clock can quietly (and quickly!) consume more energy than you might expect.
Lowering the temperature of your water heater to a safe but efficient level can reduce how hard it has to work throughout the day. Using cold water in the laundry, washing dishes with full loads, and letting clothes dry occasionally can shave a significant amount off your monthly bill.
Even small habits are important. Many devices draw power even when they are “off,” so unplugging electronics you don’t use can help reduce phantom power consumption. (If you’re not sure which appliances use the most power, you can use a Kilowatt meter to check!)
If your family has a habit of leaving the lights on, consider switching to LED bulbs and do a fun challenge of turning off the lights when you leave the room. These changes are simple, but when you put them together, they add up faster than you might think.
Call Your Service Provider to Ask About Options
It may sound scary, but calling your electric company can sometimes make a bigger difference than anything you do inside your home. Providers often have programs or rate programs that reward energy efficiency, support budgeting, or offer seasonal savings.
If you’ve never asked what options qualify you, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check them out. We’ve saved money by simply adjusting our billing cycle and choosing a different rate structure, something we wouldn’t have even known about if we hadn’t asked.
Some companies also offer free or discounted energy efficiency kits, home energy audits, or rebates for upgrades like smart thermostats, insulation, or LED bulbs. You already pay for the service every month, so you may be able to take advantage of the plans available. It never hurts to ask, and sometimes it can save you more than you bargained for.
Check out LIHEAP and other Energy Assistance Programs
If your electric bill feels overwhelming, especially during periods of extreme weather, you may want to check your eligibility for LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Assistance Program. This program helps eligible families with heating, cooling, or energy-related expenses. Many people don’t realize they qualify, and year after year the funds go unspent simply because families don’t know help is available.
Eligibility is generally based on household income, size, and state guidelines. The easiest way to see if you are eligible is to visit your state’s LIHEAP website or call your local community action agency. Many states also offer additional programs such as utility-specific hardship funds, weather assistance, or emergency power grants.
These programs are designed to support families during times of the year when debt increases or when income is low. If you’ve been struggling or feeling down, don’t hesitate to check it out. Getting help doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you use the resources available to take care of your family.
Small Habits Really Add Up
Saving on your electric bill doesn’t require perfection or big sacrifices. It’s about awareness, realizing where energy goes, choosing small habits that support your goals, and making gradual changes that feel sustainable in your family. Whether you start by lowering the thermostat a few degrees or simply removing a few unused appliances, the important thing is to start somewhere. Each step you take helps you manage your resources better and creates more breathing room in your budget.
And remember: you don’t have to fix everything at once. Pick one or two ideas that sound doable this week, try them out, and see what kind of difference they make. You may be surprised how quickly the savings become apparent, and how empowering it feels to take control of your home’s energy use.
More Ways to Save Money:
What helps you save on your electric bill? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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