If it seems like your electricity bill keeps creeping higher every month, you’re not imagining it.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, energy prices have increased at a rate faster than inflation since 2022.
We recently visited Reddit for tips on how to reduce your electricity bill. We combed through one of the most popular threads on r/PersonalFinanceCanada to round up the best advice.
From improving your home’s insulation to taking advantage of energy assistance programs, here are some of the top ways Redditors keep their electricity bill in check.
1. Heat the person, not the home
The top-upvoted comment on the thread came from u/jl4855: “In the winter — heat the person, not the home.” This is one of those frugal living tips that’s easy to forget about.
Instead of turning up the thermostat, focus on warming yourself to cut down on heating costs.
“Dress warmly indoors,” added u/KittyCanuck. “Wear a sweater, wear socks/slippers, and place a blanket over your lap at the computer or while watching TV.”
They also recommended microwaving a grain-filled bag and placing it at the foot of your bed as a cost-effective way to stay warm at night.
2. Use a programmable thermostat
Redditor u/Express-Upstairs1734 shared several valuable tips on how to reduce your electricity bill, including using a programmable thermostat.
Heating and cooling usually account for around 43% of a household’s utility bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Therefore, if you want to reduce your energy usage, adjusting your thermostat settings is a good place to start.
A smart thermostat lets you adjust your home’s temperature when you’re sleeping or traveling abroad. That way, you’re not heating or cooling your house when it isn’t necessary.
3. Cook in bulk
Every time you fire up your oven or stove, you’re using a good chunk of electricity. To counteract this, u/Giveme1time suggests cooking in bulk to reduce energy use.
By doubling recipes, you reduce the number of times you use your appliances. As a bonus, cooking in bulk can also save you time and cut down your restaurant spending.
Consider using smaller appliances, such as a toaster oven, microwave, or air fryer, which use less electricity than a full-sized oven.
4. Upgrade your home insulation
Keeping outside air out and inside air in is one of the most effective ways to lower your energy bill.
u/Express-Upstairs1734 explained that you can insulate your attic, floors, walls, and ceiling so you’re not heating the outdoors.
“You can also buy a kit with some clear plastic film designed for covering windows, and apply it over the whole opening,” said u/elbryon. “Not only does this block all drafts, it also provides a layer of air insulation that further reduces heat loss!”
If you have central heating or cooling, don’t forget to seal your ductwork — leaky ducts can waste up to 20% to 30% of conditioned air, according to Energy Star.
5. Look into energy assistance programs
Redditors pointed out that many people overlook local and federal programs that can reduce utility bills or offer rebates for energy-efficient upgrades.
For example, u/ExternalVariation733 took advantage of the Ontario Electricity Support program:
“I had zero income in 2018 (my choice) and am now subsidized for 60 months at $40 a month … last hydro bill was $42.”
You can also ask your utility company about a budget billing plan, which spreads payments evenly across the year, making your bills more predictable.
6. Unplug devices or use a power strip
Electronics left plugged in can become energy vampires (bleh!) — which means they’re still sucking power even when turned off.
“If you’ve got a TV or a monitor or something that’s used infrequently, unplug it,” said u/samesunng. “It’ll slightly reduce your bill.”
To make it easier, consider using smart power strips or plugs, which automatically cut power to idle devices.
Some commenters doubted whether this was an effective strategy for reducing your electricity bill. However, a 2015 study from the Natural Resource Defense Council found that devices in standby mode can account for almost a quarter of the average home’s energy bill.
7. Use LED light bulbs
Lighting typically makes up a small portion of your electric bill, but it’s still an easy place to save.
u/_grey_wall recommended switching to LED light bulbs in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs last up to 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs and use at least 75% less energy.
Redditor u/Dileas48 also suggested installing solar motion lights instead of hardwired ones for your home’s exterior.
While these swaps may not significantly impact your electric bill, the small savings over time can add up.
8. Pay attention to time-of-use rates
If your utility company charges based on time-of-use, you may pay higher rates when more people are using electricity. That means off-peak appliance use could save you money if it costs less during periods of low demand.
“In Ontario, do your laundry, run your dishwasher after 7 p.m. and not after 7 a.m. on weekdays,” said u/Dileas48. “If you have a pool, get a timer and only run the pump during those same hours.”
You can usually check your utility provider’s website to see if you’re on a time-of-use plan, which could help you time your chores better and save money.
9. Skip the dryer and hang dry your laundry
Your dryer could be one of those everyday expenses most people overlook. Even energy-efficient models can use a ton of electricity, costing hundreds each year to operate.
“I use a clothesline for drying my laundry when the weather permits,” shared u/Constant-Squirrel555. “It’s a therapeutic thing for me … I find it relaxing.”
Indoor drying racks also work great during the colder months and can even add humidity to dry winter air in your home.
10. Install energy-efficient appliances
Sometimes, the best way to save on electricity is to upgrade your old, inefficient appliances.
According to u/Express-Upstairs1734, new appliances with the Energy Star label indicate that they meet the highest standards of energy efficiency.
However, u/growingalittletestie pointed out that sometimes it’s more expensive to switch.
“I get that it is more efficient and the Greener Homes Grant is meant to improve the environment, but I think people need to consider ongoing costs and actually run the numbers before making the jump.”
Before upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, calculate the costs to determine if it makes sense for your usage and budget.
More tips for how to cut your electricity bill
On Lunch Money’s YouTube channel, Jacob Wade shares even more strategies for how to cut your electricity bill. Here are some of his top recommendations:
- Weatherstripping doors: Over time, the rubber seals on your doors can wear out and let in drafts. Replacing the rubber stripping keeps warm air inside during the winter and blocks hot air from sneaking in during the summer.
- Lower water heater temperature: Water heaters are often set higher than necessary. Reducing the temperature to around 120 degrees can still give you hot showers while using less electricity.
- Wash your clothes in cold water: For everyday laundry, cold water is typically just as good at cleaning your clothes while saving on energy costs. If your clothes are super dirty, you should probably use hot water!
- Use wool dryer balls: These help separate your clothing during drying, which improves air circulation. That means your clothes dry faster, lowering your energy use.
- Use curtains strategically: Blackout or thermal curtains can help keep heat out in the summer and retain warmth in the winter. Opening and closing them at the right times can help regulate your home’s temperature naturally.
- Track your energy usage: Many utility companies offer energy reports, so make sure to review them to spot any problem areas. You can also use a budgeting app like Lunch Money to track your utilities budget category and see which months you’re using the most energy.
Bottom line
Although energy prices are steadily rising, there are small changes you can make to help reduce your electricity bill.
Cooking in bulk, paying attention to time-of-use rates, and insulating your home could potentially save you hundreds of dollars per year — making it easier to live within your means.
And with the help of Lunch Money, you can track your utility bills to spot trends and see which months have the highest energy usage. If you want to try it out, sign up for our free 30-day trial today!
