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What are the Best Ways to Lower a Gas and Electric Bill?

Soo Owens
Soo Owens

A gas and electric bill can be a costly expense for many households and businesses. During the peaks of summer and winter the monthly utility bills can reflect prohibitive costs. By observing a few simple tips and guidelines, monthly savings can be achieved within the next billing cycle. Some of the most effective methods involve a reduction in the energy consumed by appliances and through household activities and repairs and installations around the house that produce better insulation.

Lowering the gas and electric bill can be as simple as a change in daily habits. During warmer months, closing blinds and curtains will prevent external heat from seeping in, while the gas and electric bill during winter will benefit from keeping blinds and curtains open at the warmest times of the day to allow heating by sunlight. On chilly days, rely on blankets and layers of clothing to keep warm in lieu of running the heating unit at high temperatures. Most importantly, reduce the energy used by the air conditioner or heater by keeping the thermostat at 78°F (26°C) or above and 68°F (20°C) or below, during the warmer and colder months, respectively, as the cooling and heating systems can be responsible for up to 70% of the total gas and electric bill.

Microwaves can contribute up to 10% of electricity costs.
Microwaves can contribute up to 10% of electricity costs.

Standby power also contributes to a high gas and electric bill. The most common culprits are electric products around the house. These are often left plugged into outlets and continue to draw power even when the products are turned off. Standby power from electronics such as televisions, laptops, and microwaves can contribute to up to 10% of electricity costs. To avoid leaving electronics on standby mode, unplug products that are used only occasionally, and use a power strip for groups of electronics, which will allow them all to be disconnected by just unplugging the strip.

A programmable thermostat can reduce energy consumption.
A programmable thermostat can reduce energy consumption.

The total energy used by individual appliances can be reduced with a few simple measures. The majority of the energy consumed by washer and dryer units and the dishwasher is due to heat. By washing laundry in cold water and hand drying or air drying dishes, energy consumption by these appliances can be cut by more than half. Running these appliances only with a full load will also reduce the overall energy expended in using them.

Making sure that lights are turned off in unoccupied rooms can help lower an electric bill.
Making sure that lights are turned off in unoccupied rooms can help lower an electric bill.

Regular maintenance and inspections of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can lower the cost of a gas and electric bill. An energy assessment can be a valuable resource in identifying key areas of energy consumption around the house and any preventative measures that can be taken to reduce costs. The HVAC system should undergo an inspection every year and a cleaning if deemed necessary. The performance of the HVAC system can be maintained by replacing the filter on a monthly basis. Insulation should be assessed for type and thickness, as the insulation's quality determines how much heat is retained within a building and impacts how much energy is used to heat or cool down a home.

Unplugging electronics that are not in use can lower an electric bill.
Unplugging electronics that are not in use can lower an electric bill.

Significant reductions in the gas and electric bill can also be achieved with installations that improve the efficiency of the heating and cooling system. Installation of ceiling fans, a programmable thermostat, storm doors, and a timer for the water heater can help lessen the costs of gas and electricity as well. Insulating the water heater allows it to retain more heat. Sealing cracks around doors and windows with weatherstrips similarly prevents loss of cooled or heated air from the home. Invest in appliances and products that are Energy Star® qualified, which indicates more efficient energy usage.

Discussion Comments

anon256191

The easiest way to make your home more energy efficient is to seal any air leaks, and one that is often overlooked is the bathroom ventilation fan and exhaust vent. The back draft flap these units come with do a very poor job of stopping leaks.

To address this issue, I use a replacement insert fan from the Larson Fan Company. Their fans have a true damper built in that does a great job in keeping warm air in during the winter and hot, humid air out in the summer. This product has reduced my annual energy bills by over ten percent. It saves the most when air conditioning is being used.

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    • Microwaves can contribute up to 10% of electricity costs.
      Microwaves can contribute up to 10% of electricity costs.
    • A programmable thermostat can reduce energy consumption.
      By: Bill Bradford
      A programmable thermostat can reduce energy consumption.
    • Making sure that lights are turned off in unoccupied rooms can help lower an electric bill.
      By: Olivier
      Making sure that lights are turned off in unoccupied rooms can help lower an electric bill.
    • Unplugging electronics that are not in use can lower an electric bill.
      By: robootb
      Unplugging electronics that are not in use can lower an electric bill.
    • Small changes to one's daily habits, such as closing the curtains on a hot day, can help reduce gas and electric bills.
      By: Alvin Teo
      Small changes to one's daily habits, such as closing the curtains on a hot day, can help reduce gas and electric bills.
    • Insulating the water heater can help save money on the electric bill.
      By: EuToch
      Insulating the water heater can help save money on the electric bill.
    • Invest in home appliances and products that are Energy Star certified to save on bills.
      By: Mario Lopes
      Invest in home appliances and products that are Energy Star certified to save on bills.