Asked on May 08, 2020

Simple tricks to cut your electric by 90%?

Jenn
by Jenn
  13 answers
  • Gk Gk on May 08, 2020

    Here's a few ideas that I use to cut my electric bill!

    https://www.thespruce.com/lower-your-electric-bill-1388743

  • 17335038 17335038 on May 08, 2020

    Many electricity providers charge reduced rates during different times of the day, according to peak times when there is most usage, and times when there is reduced demand.


    One way to save some on your electricity bills is to wait until evening or at night when rates are lower to run loads of laundry, or run the dishwasher.

  • Em Em on May 08, 2020

    Solar panels can save a large percentage but you have to weigh that against the cost. They are pricey. You also have to factor in where you live. In the northeast you don't get the same amount of savings since the weather is nowhere near sunny Arizona. It will take several years to see the cost of solar panels and installation against the cost of savings.

    • See 4 previous
    • Em Em on May 09, 2020

      thanks so much. See you CAN teach an old dog new tricks

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on May 08, 2020

    Realistically I don't think a 90% reduction is possible. You may have seen an advertisement boasting this, and it may be too good to be true & we all know what that means. You can take measures to reduce the amount of electricity you use, here are some suggestions:


    http://www.electronicsandyou.com/blog/how-to-reduce-electricity-bill.html

  • Beth Beth on May 08, 2020

    I'd agree with Redcatcec that reducing your bill by 90% probably isn't possible, but you may want to talk to your electric company to do an energy audit. They often offer these for free and can give you some good tips on how to become more energy efficient and save money. Good luck!

  • Mogie Mogie on May 08, 2020

    90% is a BIG number to aim for but good luck!

    Turn the thermostat on your water heater down to 120 degrees.

    Insulate your water heater.

    Put a gray box (that is a timer for a water heater) on it. We run ours for 2 hours a day.

    Switch out standard light bulbs for LEDs.

    Turn off stuff in rooms not in use or when you leave that room.

    Heat with wood instead.

    Use surge protectors and turn them off to stop phantom loads.

    Line dry your laundry.

    Wash clothes in cold water only.

    Only wash full loads (both in the clothes and dish washer).

    Let dishes air dry in dish washer.

    Install a ceiling fan to circulate air (warm in winter and cool in summer).

    Instead of wired sensor lights replace with solar sensor motion detectors.

    Use a crock pot instead on your oven.

    Plant trees or scrubs so they will shade your home in the summer.

    Use blinds to keep the hot summer sun out.

    When it is cold use an electric blanket not the thermostat.

    You should see a difference in your bill just by lowering how warm you keep your home.

    Sweep instead of vacuuming.

    If you use the oven bake several items not just one thing.

    Take shorter showers.

    Instead of a tv for background noise use the radio.



  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on May 08, 2020

    adding solar panels would do the trick but they are expensive- call your electric company for an energy audit and see where you are using the most energy- if you leave unused items plugged in like toasters, phone chargers, etc it uses a lot of energy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzIY4g6s1Dw

  • Deb K Deb K on May 08, 2020

    Hello Jenn, hope this little video helps you out

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCQwx8g8E5A

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on May 08, 2020

    90% would basically be impossible unless you turn off most of your electricity and live like little house on the prairie with using only fire and candles. Solar panels are your only option depending on where you live and don't have a large tree canopy. Also there is a monthly fee to be even hooked up to utilities. I know where I live it's $35. a month just for the privilege to be hooked up for gas and $18. for electricity. So $53 is our starting fee for having gas and electric hooked up to our home.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on May 08, 2020

    Caulk all windows and around doors. Add storm windows if you don't have double insulated windows. Hang thermal insulated curtains to prevent sunshine in hot weather, open curtains to let sun in during cold weather.

  • SawHorse Design Build SawHorse Design Build on May 09, 2020

    The only way to reduce by 90% is to design the house to be energy efficient as a new home and add renewable energy. This is what I do for a living.


    It is very difficult to achieve that level of performance on an existing home without a deep energy retrofit or a major lifestyle change.


    I can create a detailed post for each component that can help save energy and money if you like. It will be very long.