Did you know? A report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association shows that the average electric bill in the country increased by almost 8% over the summer months in 2024 compared to 2023 (NEADA). This price hike is the highest average in over a decade. With the energy costs increasing, reducing your electricity bill could be daunting. But, here’s the good news… with the right strategies and tools, you can cut your electricity bill by 90%.
In this article, we will take a look at the factors contributing to high electricity bills; what strategies you can do to make your home more power-efficient; and finally, we will reveal the simple trick to reduce your power costs.
Factors that Increase Your Electric Bill
The first step to reducing your electricity costs is understanding what drives up these costs. Here, we listed the primary factors contributing to a high energy bill.
Inefficient Appliances
Does running your old appliances and holding off buying a new one save you money? Think again. Outdated electronics and home appliances often consume more power than their modern counterparts.
Poor Insulation
Another primary factor that can lead to high energy bills is inadequate insulation. A poorly insulated home will, inevitably, lose heat in winter and gain heat in summer, which causes your HVAC system to work overtime. This said energy drain significantly increases your household’s electricity usage.
Phantom Loads
Also called standby power, phantom loads are the energy consumed by electronic devices when they are turned off but are still plugged in. Devices like TVs, computers, and chargers continue to draw power even when you’re not using them but are still plugged in, which contributes to your overall electricity bill.
Lighting
While lighting may only seem like a minor contributor to your electricity bill, energy costs can pile up, most especially when you use incandescent bulbs. These said bulbs are far less energy-efficient than LED or CFL bulbs, which use significantly less power.
Related article: How many watts does a light bulb use?
Addressing these factors will enable you to turn your home more energy-efficient, and may even start seeing savings on your electricity bill. However, to achieve a drastic reduction in your energy costs, you’ll need to consider one simple trick, which we will share next – so continue reading!
What appliances run up your electricity the most?
Inefficient appliances can skyrocket your electricity bill and choosing the modern and more power-efficient ones can reduce your cost. On top of that, understanding which appliances are the biggest energy hogs can also help you make some targeted adjustments and effectively cut your electricity bill.
Some of the most power-hungry appliances in your home include:
- HVACs or Air Conditioners - As you would have guessed, air conditioning units are one of the top energy consumers in households, most especially in months with high temperatures. Whether you have a central air system or run window-type units, keeping your home cool requires a lot of power. Depending on how often you run your AC, it can account for up to 50% of your electricity bill during the summer months.
It’s important to note that, as with most appliances, the energy consumption of an AC is mostly dependent on its efficiency rating or SEER rating, the unit’s size and how often it’s used.
Related article: How many watts does an airconditioner use? -
Water Heaters - Another major contributor to household energy consumption is water heating. Whether you’re using it for a shower, running your dishwasher or doing laundry, water heaters run constantly to maintain a supply of hot water for your household.
Older models are generally less energy efficient as they continuously heat and store large volumes of water, even when it’s not being used. Consider using newer and more energy-efficient models, such as tankless water heaters. These types of heaters only provide hot water when needed, and are 30% more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters.
- Refrigerators - One of the few appliances in your home that runs 24/7 is your refrigerator, which makes it one of the energy-hungry household appliances. Are you still using a fridge that’s over a decade old? It may be good to consider to purchase a new one as old refrigerators can consume as much as twice electricity than newer models. In addition, you may want to make sure that the seals on your refrigerator doors are tight and free from cracks as this will prevent cold air from escaping.
- Washers and Dryers - Laundry appliances are also some of the biggest electricity hogs in your home, particularly the clothes dryer. Both washers and dryers require a substantial amount of energy to operate, especially if you’re washing huge loads frequently. Although there are more energy-efficient washers nowadays, dryers continue to be notorious for their high energy consumption.
- Stoves and Ovens - Electric cooking appliances are also significant contributors to your energy bill. Using your electric oven for slow-roasting or baking will definitely add to your energy costs. Switching to gas models may be a good idea if you want to keep your electricity bills low.
One Simple Trick to Cut Your Electricity Bill: Invest in a Solar Generator
Being mindful of your electric consumption and switching to more energy-efficient appliances all contribute to lowering your electricity bill. However, a game-changing solution that will help cut your electricity bill by 90% is investing in a solar generator.
Installing solar generators and power systems in your home can ultimately reduce your reliance on the local grid, drastically lowering your electric costs. Solar generators harness the power of the sun, which is a renewable and abundant energy source. By utilising solar energy, you’re not only cutting your electricity bill, but you’re also contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable planet.
In addition, having a solar generator in your home means you have a reliable backup power source during outages. This means you can continue running essential appliances without having to rely on costly backup generators that run on fossil fuels. There are also portable solar generators that you can use in different areas of your home where needed.
While the initial investments may seem high, solar generators are proven to provide substantial long-term savings. Over time, the reduction in your electricity bill will more than offset the initial costs, making solar generators a wise financial investment.
Cutting your electricity bill by 90% may seem like an impossible feat, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. Nature's Generator offers a powerful solution for those looking to reduce their reliance on the grid and embrace clean, renewable energy. By incorporating a solar generator into your energy plan, along with other energy-saving practices, you can enjoy lower electricity bills and contribute to a more sustainable future.
* We want to give credit where credit is due. Professional writer, Ishna Sablaya, contributed research and content to this blog titled: Simple Trick to Cut Your Electricity Bill by 90% Thank you, Ishna, for your contributions!
