Having high electric bills can be frustrating. The cost of powering your home continues to rise while your paycheck stays the same. You may feel trapped, convinced that there's nothing you can do. But don't lose hope! There are several lesser-known renewable energy hacks that can help lower your electric bills. With a bit of effort, you can gain freedom from those annoyingly high utility costs.
Evaluate Your Current Energy Use
Before making any changes, take some time to evaluate your current energy use. This will show you where you can make cuts to start lowering those electric bills. Here are some things to look at:
Audit Your Appliances
Make a list of all electric appliances in your home. Note which ones are energy hogs. Old refrigerators, AC units, and laundry machines can consume a lot of power. Consider replacing outdated models with Energy Star certified options.
Examine Lighting
Transition from incandescent bulbs to LEDs. LEDs use at least 75% less energy. Also, evaluate when lights are on in empty rooms. Use motion sensor switches, timers, or be diligent about turning off lights.
Check for Air Leaks
Air leaks can increase energy bills. Do an audit for leaks around doors, windows, outlets, attics, etc. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal problem areas. This keeps hot/cold air from escaping, reducing AC/heat run times.
Understand Your Electricity Usage
Utilize your electric bill to see when you use the most electricity. Look for ways to shift high-draw activities like laundry to off-peak hours. Optimize your usage based on peak and off-peak times.
Transition to Clean Energy Sources
Once you've evaluated your usage, it's time to make the switch to renewable energy sources. This will provide electricity without relying on fossil fuels. Here are some impactful hacks:
Install Solar Panels
Solar panels can drastically cut electricity bills by 50% or more. The upfront cost is high, but solar panels can provide power for 25+ years. Federal and local tax credits can offset 30%+ of the cost.
Consider Wind Power
Residential wind turbines provide clean energy. They work best in rural areas with steady wind over 9 MPH. Wind power handles cold climates well. Turbines 12+ feet wide can generate 25%+ of your electricity.
Leverage Geothermal Heating/Cooling
Geothermal HVAC systems use underground warmth/coolness to heat/cool your home. While installation is expensive, the systems can save 30-60% on bills. Consider going in with neighbors on a shared ground loop to save on drilling costs.
Buy Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
If on-site renewable energy isn't feasible, RECs let you invest in off-site clean energy. RECs offset the environmental impact of your current electric use. Shop REC providers and buy enough to match your monthly energy consumption.
Change Habits to Reduce Consumption
Beyond infrastructure fixes, simple habit changes can further lower electric bills. Train yourself and family members to be conservation-minded. Here are some tips:
- Turn off lights when leaving a room
- Enable power-saver modes on computers/TVs
- Unplug phone chargers and small appliances when not in use
- Use appliances efficiently - only run full loads
- Lower water heater to 120°F
- Open windows for natural light/ventilation
- Limit use of Kitchen/Bath vent fans to just when needed
- Wash clothes in cold water, hang dry when possible
With mindful habits, your home's energy efficiency will increase. Conservation steps complement your transition to clean power sources.
Conclusion
High electricity bills can be frustrating. But with smart renewable energy hacks and conservation habits, you can gain freedom from those pesky utility costs. Evaluating your current energy use, installing solar/geothermal power, buying RECs, and changing habits provide impactful solutions. Implement these lesser-known hacks, and you'll be on your way to lower electric bills!