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With our ever-increasing reliance on electrically powered appliances and devices, it’s no wonder our monthly energy bills seem to be skyrocketing. And with round-the-clock heating season quickly approaching (and more time spent indoors) those bills will likely increase further.

Fortunately, you don’t have to get stuck paying exorbitant monthly energy costs. There are several simple things you can do to reduce your monthly energy needs and therefore, the dollar amount on your electrical bills. The electricians at Harrison Electric share a few helpful changes you can make below.

1.Install Ceiling Fans

While it might seem like installing ceiling fans will only add to your monthly energy use, that’s a misconception. Rather, ceiling fans — when used regularly — help to circulate conditioned air around your house.

Whether that air is warm or cool, it doesn’t matter. What matters is the fact that a ceiling fan better distributes the air that your air conditioner or furnace pumps out. That means you get the benefit of a more consistent temperature throughout your home, without having to constantly adjust the thermostat.

Because installing ceiling fans requires electrical expertise, this job should only be performed by a qualified, licensed electrician.

2. Unplug Idle Appliances and Devices

Many people aren’t aware that electric appliances and devices consume power even when they’re not in use. This is called phantom electricity draw, and if you have a bunch of idle devices plugged in, it’s affecting your monthly energy bill more than you might realize. But how much?

Though it’s tricky to put a dollar amount on what your phantom electrical load is costing you, you can estimate it using the number of watts your devices require. You’ll also need to know what your municipality charges per kilowatt-hour to calculate the total cost.

If you own relatively few electronics (a small tv, a modem, a laptop, basic appliances) and you leave them plugged in, your phantom load might be less than $10 per month. If, on the other hand, you have all the latest gadgets and appliances, that load could cost you upward of $25-$35 per month!

Bottom line? Unplug your idle devices and watch — your next electrical bill might just surprise you. 

3. Install a Smart Thermostat

In the Twin Cities, outdoor temperatures can fluctuate by as much as 25-30 degrees in a single day. As such, you may be accustomed to frequently adjusting your thermostat to accommodate these dramatic temperature swings. But that isn’t the most efficient way to keep your home comfortable — nor is it the most affordable.

Rather than sticking with your manual thermostat, why not upgrade to a smart device? A smart thermostat allows you to program settings based on your daily schedule and weather conditions. It can be controlled remotely, via your phone, smart speaker, or other internet-connected devices, which allows for adjustments even when you’re not at home. This one simple change can save you up to 20% on your energy bills.

Again, because installing a thermostat requires electrical expertise, only a licensed electrician should perform this job.

4. Use the Right Lightbulbs

Last but certainly not least, you can save a considerable amount on your annual energy costs by switching to LED lightbulbs. If you’re currently using incandescent bulbs, making the switch to LEDs can save you around $300 in electrical costs per year.

When you need licensed electricians you can trust, get in touch with our team at Harrison Electric. Since 1985, we’ve proudly served homeowners throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro, and our number one goal is our customers’ complete satisfaction. To schedule a service appointment or request a quote, call our Minneapolis, MN office today at 763-544-3300 or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch.