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Tips to Reduce Your Energy Bill

Find out how to save energy for cheaper monthly utility bills.

At Choose Energy, our reporters seek out information that puts you in control of your energy. Our partners do not direct our editorial content, though we may reference their products in our posts. Read about how we make money to learn more.

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Our guide to lowering your electricity bill

Have your energy bills been too high recently? The culprit is likely your electricity consumption. Your energy usage level directly impacts your monthly bills. Luckily, Choose Energy can help you find a few low-cost strategies to reduce your usage and find extra savings.

Unplug unused electronics

Electronics and appliances continue to drain energy when plugged in but not in use; this is called vampire energy. An easy fix is to regularly unplug your unused devices. Common household items include computers, game consoles, toasters, monitors, and more. You can also purchase a smart power strip with a timer and power-saving mode to help with this task.+

Turn off the lights

This easy trick can have a huge impact. Lighting accounts for a significant portion of your energy bill. Build the habit of turning off lights when you leave the room to cut down on consumption.

Switch to LED light bulbs

Switching to LED light bulbs is a cheap way to save money and lower your electricity consumption. LED light bulbs use 75% less electricity than incandescent models and have a lifespan of up to 25 times longer.

Schedule maintenance on your HVAC system

HVAC systems build up dirt over time, lowering their effectiveness. Schedule routine maintenance to ensure your HVAC system works efficiently and doesn’t unnecessarily increase your energy bill. The best times for maintenance are before summer or winter, when your HVAC is used most frequently.

Invest in energy-efficient appliances

It may be time for new appliances if your current ones are nearing the end of their lifespan. If you can swing the cost, upgrade to ENERGY STAR-certified models. These appliances are backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and use less energy than conventional models, leading to long-term savings on your energy bill.

Use a smart thermostat

Approximately 53% of residential electricity usage goes towards heating and cooling, making this the largest energy cost in your home. Instead of having to manually adjust your home’s temperature throughout the day, invest in a smart thermostat to automate this task and reduce costs.

Switch to a cheaper energy plan

Another energy cost-savings strategy is to find a cheaper rate and switch your energy plan. Choose Energy can help you lock in an affordable plan to help lower your energy costs. Here’s how the process works:

  • Enter your ZIP code: Explore the best providers and plans available in your area.
  • Compare your options: Filter the results to best fit your needs. You can filter by rate type, contract length, provider, green energy, and more.
  • Sign up online or over the phone: You can sign up directly on our marketplace in minutes. If you would like more assistance, call the number on your screen to work with one of our energy agents.

Keep in mind that if you’re under contract with a fixed-rate plan from your current energy provider, you may have to pay an early termination fee (ETF) to end your service. Check your Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to learn about any fees you may incur.

FAQs about energy bills

Why is my electricity bill so high?

Two main factors contribute to high energy bills: your energy consumption and your energy rate. Explore your options on Choose Energy to determine if a cheaper rate or better fit is available.

What is the cheapest type of energy plan?

Our energy experts recommend choosing a fixed-rate plan for the most energy savings. Fixed-rate plans provide stability to customers who want to avoid spikes in the energy market.

How can I reduce my energy bills in summer or winter?

Summer and winter both have high energy demand, as most households use heating or cooling to stay comfortable. Try to scale back your thermostat a couple of degrees when you are away or at night to alleviate your bills.