PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With electricity costs up more than 6% since last year, according to the latest Consumer Price Index, there are steps you can take now to reduce your electric bill — and without spending any money.
Close your curtains
Closing drapes or curtains can block sunlight and reduce the amount of heat entering your home by up to 33%, according to the Department of Energy.
Turn off lights and appliances
Turning off lights and appliances when not in use or plugging them into a power strip that can be switched off could save an extra $100 to $200 every year.
Seal gaps around doors and windows
Diane Brown, executive director of the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, said sealing gaps around doors and windows is another way to cut costs.
“Anything you can do to prevent the heat from coming in means less air conditioning, means less money that you’re paying on your electric bill,” Brown said.
Use your ceiling fan
Running a ceiling fan counter-clockwise can reduce air conditioning costs by about 30%, according to an estimate from Home Depot. Ceiling fans do not cool the air; they create a wind-chill effect, so turning the fan off when leaving the room avoids unnecessary energy use.
Check your rate plan
Calling your utility to confirm you are on the right rate plan is another step that could affect your monthly bill…