It’s summer in Jersey, and it is hot. You want to beat the heat, but you don’t want to waste your money. So, how do you save on your electric bill? By changing a few simple things around the house, you might be surprised at how much you can save on your electric bill.

1. Unplug power suckers. Even though certain devices may be “off” they may still be draining your power. A telltale sign of a power sucker is anything that has a clock or light that remains on even though it is off. You don’t have to go around plugging and unplugging everything in the house; just plug them into power surge strips. Those nifty strips have a master power switch that can easily turn all of the plugs off and on.
2. Program your thermostat. When you’re out of the house at work or school, set the thermostat to be warmer while you’re away, and have the temp cool back down 30 minutes before you get home. A good rule of thumb is to keep the coolest temp at 75 during the summer months to save the most on your bill.
3. Use energy efficient appliances. Believe it or not, appliances account for about 20% of your electricity bill. Switching out your old appliances with new energy saving appliances can save you hundreds over just a few months. With all the extra savings, the new appliance practically pays for itself. Not only do you have a shiny, brand new appliance, but also you are adding to a greener household. Less electricity used means fewer emissions, and makes for a better carbon footprint as well.
4. Wash full loads of clothes and dishes. Instead of doing smaller load of clothes, wait until you can wash a full load. Better yet, switch the dial over to a ‘cool’ temperature for all of the washes. This will save your water heater from kicking on. The cool water will give you a great clean without wasting extra energy. If you have a tough stain, pre-treat the spot before washing to forego the hot water cycle. The same principle applies to the dishwasher—only run it if you have a full load of dishes. For extra electricity savings, skip the steam dry cycle. You can let them air dry, or you can hand dry them as you put them away.
5. Drink a cold drink, use a cool compress, or take a cool shower. It’s hot outside! The first thing you do when you come inside is swipe the thermostat down to cool you off. Rather than wasting more energy on making it arctic cold for a short amount of time, try other methods of cooling down. Make a cool drink to chill you from the inside out, or place a cool cloth on the back of your neck to help regulate your body temperature. To cool off instantly, jump in the shower for a quick, cool rinse. You’re sure to feel refreshed and back to normal afterwards.
6. Close your blinds and drapes during the daytime. The sun’s rays are incredibly powerful. While it’s wonderful to have natural light spilling into your apartment, it can also heat things up. If you are not using a room or are away from home during the day, keep the blinds or curtains closed to block out the sun’s heat. You’ll be surprised at how a little thing like curtains can make a world of difference to your bill.

That’s it! Saving on your electric bill has never been easier. By simply being more mindful of what appliances are using the most energy in your home, you can prevent electricity from being wasted. Take shortcuts like drinking a cool drink before reaching for the thermostat, or drying the dishes by hand. Better yet, remember to close the blinds before you leave for work in the morning–it’s a small thing that can make a huge difference to your wallet. All of these are simple, easy ways to save on your electric bill this month. Happy saving!