Every household in the Minneapolis area runs on a budget. And even if some budgets are more significant than others, homeowners all want to find ways to cut expenses without altering their lifestyle or feeling deprived. So when there are ways to slash utility expenses like reducing your electricity bill and still enjoy all the comforts of your home, it is a win for your wallet and the environment.

Addressing HVAC Costs

Most homeowners in the St. Paul area agree that heating and cooling costs drive their electric bill into the triple digits some months. And controlling that cost can translate to some fantastic savings. Here are a few ways to take the sting out of next month’s electric bill:

• Check the seals on doors and windows to ensure that you keep that valuable and somewhat costly heated or cooled air inside your home.
• Make sure that your heated or cooled air can circulate throughout your home. Move furniture that blocks vents and check your ductwork for leaks and blockages that could be wasting the air you are paying to heat or cool.
• Save about 10% on your heating and cooling cost by adjusting your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees when you are out of the house or asleep. Even better, install a programmable thermostat to do the work for you.

Are You In Hot Water Because of A Huge Electric Bill?

Your home’s water heater is the number two electricity consumer after your HVAC system. Managing your use and waste of hot water is a great way to save some cash and water for a double win. For example:

• Trim just two minutes off your shower. The average person spends eight minutes in the shower. If you can reduce that to six minutes, you will drop the cost of heating water for your shower by an amazing 25%.
• Installing a low-flow showerhead can reduce your water use by as much as 20%. So you could still enjoy that typical eight-minute shower and save over a gallon and a half of hot water a minute.
• Washing clothing and linens in cold water is a great way to save on your hot water bill. And now that there are cold water formulated laundry products, your clothes will still be fresh and clean.
• Throttle back the temperature on your water heater from 140 degrees to 120 degrees. It will reduce your electric water heater’s operating cost by 10%, and you will never notice the change. For added savings, turn your water heater to the lowest setting if you will be away from home for several days.

Save On Lighting

With the purchase of just five LED bulbs for your most-used fixtures, you can save $75 a year. And double the number of bulbs to increase your savings to well over one hundred dollars without ever noticing a difference in your home’s lighting.

To learn more about lowering your Bloomington home’s electric bill, call 612-236-9052 to speak to the electrical pros at EarlyBird Electric.