How Much Is the Average Electric Bill? What You Can Do to Lower Yours
Approximately 40 percent of American homes are heated with electricity. That means many families see a spike in their utility bills during the coldest months of the year. Unfortunately, the hotter months of the year are not much cheaper since most people use air conditioning in their homes.
If you’re wondering if you pay too much for utilities, keep reading this post! We’ll reveal the average cost of electricity per month in different parts of the United States, giving you an idea of whether your bill is out of the normal range.
Then, we’ll share some expert tips for lowering your electric consumption (and payment). So, even if you’re paying a lot for utilities, there’s no need to worry!
What’s the Average Cost of Electricity Per Month?
Knowing how much the average utility bill is can give you a ballpark idea of whether you’re paying a reasonable amount for electricity. In 2021, the average was $121.01 per month.
However, the cost of living can vary according to the region of the United States you live in, including the price of electricity. So, if you find out you’re paying way more than the average American, it may just have to do with the state in which you live.
For example, Hawaii pays the most for electricity, with a monthly average of $177.78. Meanwhile, Utah residents pay the least, averaging $80.87!
Even if you live in a state where electric prices are more expensive, you can still take steps to reduce your consumption. Changes in your energy use habits go a long way!
How to Save Energy
Learning how to use less electricity can drastically lower your bill. Plus, saving energy is good for the environment. Here are five great tips that you can start using today!
1. Take Advantage of Natural Light
If your home receives little sunlight during the day, you may not have any other option but to turn on the light as you read or work. But, if this isn’t the case, open your curtains and let the natural light shine inside. Not only will it illuminate the room, but sunlight also warms up your home, meaning you’ll use less heating in the winter.
If you want to rely on natural lighting at home, rearranging your home may help. For example, you may move your workspace near the sunniest areas. If you worry about privacy, use blinds or curtains that let the light through while blocking visibility.
2. Turn Off Anything You Aren’t Using
Some of us like leaving the TV or radio on, even when we aren’t using it—a habit that wastes a lot of energy.
These days, most electronics have timers, so even if you like falling asleep to the TV, you can program it to turn off after a certain time. This keeps it from staying on all night, which saves energy. You can use the timer at other times of the day too, depending on your habits.
Computers also use a lot of electricity when left on all the time, which is why you should put them in sleep mode or turn them off. Of course, the same goes for lights, kitchen appliances, and any other electronics that don’t need to stay on 24/7.
3. Adjust Your Thermostat at Night
Experts recommend sleeping at a temperature of 60-67 degrees since most of us get deeper sleep when it’s cool. Even if you like it to be a bit warmer, you can pile on a couple of thick blankets in the winter so you don’t have to waste so much money on heating.
In the summer, you can turn up the air conditioning so that it’s not running while you are sleeping. Most often, temperatures are cooler at night anyway, and if you run the AC during the day, it should stay comfortable inside until morning.
4. Hang Your Clothes to Dry
When you think about what uses the most electricity in American homes, dryers come to mind. These appliances can make a huge impact on your electric bill, especially if you are using yours every day.
Why not switch to the old-fashioned way of drying your clothes—on the clothesline or a rack? If the weather permits, make it a habit and watch your electric bill go down!
5. Switch to Solar
Solar energy is becoming more and more common in the United States, thanks to rebates and tax breaks for those who install panels. These arrangements make the cost of going solar more affordable. That means you’ll start saving money faster!
Moreover, most companies allow you to store any energy you don’t use or sell the surplus for credits. These credits can be used to buy energy on days when you need more. That means even if your area has frequent bouts of cloudy or rainy weather, you can still switch to solar panels.
Solar energy is also much better for the environment, so you can feel good about your decision to install solar panels. If you’d like to learn more about solar, contact a local solar energy company!
Lower Your Electric Bill This Month!
If you’re spending more than the average cost of electricity per month or want to have less impact on the environment, the tips in this post can help. You’ll have more efficient energy use and save money.
Although little changes can make a big difference, the best thing you can do is switch to a clean energy source, such as solar. So, be sure to speak to a solar company in your area to learn more if this interests you!
Before you go, don’t forget to check out more of the blog posts on our website that can help you save money, including home hacks!
