Savings

Save Money on Your Monthly Electricity Bill 

A few extra dollars in your pocket each month might not seem like a lot, but over the course of a lifetime, it really adds up! We all need electricity to power our homes and lives, but whenever possible, it’s best to cut the costs down. 

Plenty of homeowners and commercial building owners will ask about how different changes to their electrical systems, homes, and habits can help them save money on their utility bills. To answer that question, here is a full list of changes you can make to save more money on your electricity bill each month. 

8 Ways to Save

Upgrade Your Panel 

Upgrading your panel might not save you money on your electricity bills, but it will potentially save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs. It can also get your home ready for the real estate market, stop your breakers from tripping and fuses from blowing, and greatly increase the safety of your home or business. Learn more about upgrading your panel to 200 amp service. 

Shop for Electricity Providers 

Remember that it’s just as important to look at the added fees as it is to look at the actual electricity rates. In many cases, additional fees (such as delivery charges) can seriously add to your monthly bill. Fixed rates can also save you money and help ensure your bill is somewhat consistent from a rate standpoint (not necessarily from a usage standpoint).

Unplug Electronics While Not in Use

Modern appliances tend to draw electricity if they’re left plugged in, even when they’re not in use. In some cases, this is convenient, such as for your on-demand coffee maker. In other cases, it doesn’t really matter if a device is plugged in or not when you aren’t using it. To save a few bucks each year, unplug devices that you aren’t using or rarely use. 

Turn Off Lights 

Now that you’re all grown up and paying your own bills, you probably understand why your parents used to yell at you for leaving the light on in your room when you weren’t in there. Turning off lights won’t save you enough to make you a millionaire, but it does make a dent. When possible, use natural lighting instead of turning on lights. If you’re someone who just can’t remember to flick that switch off when you leave a room, you might want to consider the point below. 

Switch to LED Lights

LED lights use up to 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. They cost a little more, but they’ll also last far longer, more than making up for the dollars spent on buying the bulbs. For a homeowner, this is probably an easy switch to make yourself, but in the case of commercial buildings, shops, and warehouses, hiring an electrician can help get the job done faster, safer, and more cost-effectively. 

Change How and When You Use Major Appliances

Simple changes to your habits can make a big difference when it comes to your electricity bills. Large household appliances like washers and dryers, dishwashers, and freezers can cause the biggest drains on power. Here are a few ways to lower the costs without losing all the convenience. 

• Use appliances in the evening or at night, when energy rates are cheaper
• Hang clothes to dry when possible
• Use cold water instead of warm water to wash your clothes 
• Keep your deep freeze in the basement or a cool part of your home 
• Only run full loads in your dishwasher and washer/dryer
• Air dry your dishes
• Maintain appliances (especially large ones like air conditioners) so they don’t have to work as hard 
• Switch to energy-saving modes
• Pay attention to energy ratings when you’re buying new appliances 
• Clean out your fridge and freezer regularly to optimize cooling and airflow
• Use “quick cycles” on appliances when possible 

Install Solar Panels

This is a fairly drastic change that comes with an upfront expense, but if you’re a long-term thinker when it comes to savings, solar panels might be a great way to power your home, or just to add to your power supply. Pay for the technology and stop paying the electricity companies. 

Learn How to Save Money on Electrical Repairs

Electrical repairs (hopefully) aren’t a monthly occurrence, but when they do come up, they can be a shock to the system. Luckily, there are a few ways to save money on your electrical repairs, including making it easier for your electrician to access your systems, installing a smart panel, and finding the right electrical company for the job. 

One Place Where You SHOULDN’T Try to Save Money 

When it comes to saving a few bucks, shopping around for energy rates or making some shifts around your home or building is simple and straightforward. However, there is one place some homeowners try to save money (and shouldn’t), which is trying to tackle their electrical repairs or replacements on their own. 

Your safety is worth more than saving a bit of money on hiring a professional electrician in the Edmonton area. Electrical repairs can be dangerous if you don’t have the training and certifications for the job. So, unless you know what you’re doing, call a company like Polar Electric Contracting instead of heading to YouTube for a DIY video. 

If Your Electrical is Worse for Wear, Call the Bear!

At Polar Electric Contracting, we understand the importance of balancing budget and quality when it comes to your electrical systems. We provide residential and commercial electrical services to Edmontonians to help them keep the lights on, get more done, and enjoy themselves. 

If you have questions about your electrical system, new appliances to install, or you’d like to know more about saving money on your electrical repairs, get in touch with us! We’re always happy to provide advice and support over the phone when we can.