10 small changes that can lower your electric bill

Start with the settings you already have

Heating, cooling, and water heating usually matter more than unplugging one phone charger. Adjust temperatures gradually so the change stays comfortable. Use ceiling fans only in occupied rooms, close blinds during the hottest sunny hours, and keep supply vents clear of furniture.

• Raise the cooling setting one or two degrees and test it for a week.
• Use a fan near people, then switch it off when the room is empty.
• Wash full loads and use cold water when the fabric allows.

Stop paying for waste

Check for simple leaks before buying new equipment. A dirty HVAC filter, damaged refrigerator gasket, dripping hot-water faucet, or always-on space heater can quietly raise a bill. Review twelve months of bills when possible; weather matters, so one unusually mild month can be misleading.

• Replace or clean filters according to the equipment instructions.
• Use a power strip for entertainment equipment that is truly unused overnight.
• Lower screen brightness and enable sleep settings on computers and televisions.

Know when an upgrade is worth it

An LED bulb in a frequently used fixture is usually a simpler first purchase than a costly smart-home system. Before replacing an appliance, compare its expected energy savings with the purchase price and remaining life of the appliance you own. Utility rebates can change the calculation.