The human race has been given access to so many natural resources but a lot of us do not know exactly how to manage and harness these resources. In terms of electricity generation and utilization, many people are ignorant of the safest means of generating electricity and how to utilize it. Understanding where our electricity comes from and how much we use can affect our environment, finances and our health either positively or negatively.

Below are the best ways to reduce our electricity bills, save some money and conserve the environment.

• 1. Install solar modules.
  This will help you save energy by more than 75%, though it has a higher upfront cost, its benefits far outweighs it.
• 2. Install a smart thermostat
  A thermostat is an energy efficient appliance that allows you preset your home temperature at different times of the day so you do not have to burn electricity unnecessarily. For example, you can set your thermostat temperature lower in the winter (70-72 degrees) and higher during summer (72-74 degrees). It will reduce your energy bill and save electricity.
• 3. Download energy saving apps
  Apps like ‘’energy tracker’’ will keep a record of your energy usage and advise you on how to save energy more.
• 4. Tune up your refrigerator to improve its energy efficiency
  Regular maintenance of your fridge will reduce your electricity consumption.
• 5. Install a water restrictor
  Flow restrictor can reduce your shower to a thin drizzle of water thereby reducing your energy consumption.
• 6. Install dimmer switches
  This will help you control the electricity flow across various lighting sources of your home.
• 7. Use effective cook ware
  Glass cookware cooks better than aluminum or others.
• 8. Defrost your food
  When food are properly defrosted, it take less time to get cooked and consumes less heat too.
• 9. AC maintenance
  Maintaining your air-conditioning unit regularly will make it more energy efficient.
• 10. Install weather strips on doors & windows
  This will reduce air leaks even when doors are closed and it can keep energy costs down.
• 11. Open windows
  Opening of windows in the summer is an effective method of hybrid ventilation which reduces the energy demand for fresh air supply and improve human comfort.
• 12. Install energy efficient windows
  This will help you save more on your energy bill.
• 13. Install a biogas stove in your home
  This will help you generate cooking gas from your waste which means you will not buy LPG gas anymore. It will reduce your carbon footprint and make you a producer of your own clean cooking gas.
• 14. Reduce meat and eat more vegetables
  Going vegan won’t make you healthier alone but help you use little energy to cook.
• 15. Use fans in place of air conditioners
  If you can, this will reduce your energy consumption and reduce your electricity bill.
• 16. Turn off the lights
  Turning the light off when not in use will help you save money by reducing your electricity bill, extend the shelf life of bulbs and make your home more energy efficient.
• 17. Use either fans or air conditioners
  You do not need to have two energy sources running at the same time.
• 18. Reduce the number of hours spent on watching TV
  Doing this will help you save energy and improve quality of life.
• 19. Avoid placing appliances side by side
  Big appliances placed next to each other can increase the amount of energy being emitted. For example, do not place washer close to refrigerator
• 20. Buy modern energy efficient appliances
  Old model appliances consume more energy than latest energy efficient types. For example old refrigerators consume more electricity.
• 21. Try reducing your appliances to one if you have multiple
  This will reduce energy wastage, for example having more than one refrigerator will raise your electricity bill.
• 22. Put your outdoor lights on timer
  This will reduce your energy bill.
• 23. Change your incandescent bulbs to LEDs/CFLs
  Energy saving bulbs are great steps to take to lower your electricity bills. They also last longer than non-energy saving bulbs.
• 24. Unplug appliances when not in use
  There is no need to leave appliances like phone charges, lap top chargers, etc…plugged in. Doing it does not save energy.
• 25. Cook with lids on
  This will save more energy for you, by trapping the heat and enabling your food does not take longer time to cook
• 26. Shut the door when heating or cooling
  To avoid fluctuating your heating or cooling’s consistent flow and to save energy.
• 27. Run your dishwasher only when full
  Efficiently use your dish washer to save energy and reduce water consumption.
• 28. Make use of sleep mode on your appliances
  Invest in appliances printer, laptops, that automatically goes into sleep mode or turns off to save energy.
• 29. Open the air vents in your home from time to time
  When you do this, you reduce the pressure and heat buildup in the home and your energy cost will be reduced.
• 30. Keep your blinds closed
  If blinds are opened, it will heat up your home and your air conditioner will consume more energy to cool your home.
• 31. Plant trees around you
  Trees will absorb the heat from the sun (greenhouse gas) and give you oxygen in exchange which will limit your air conditioning cost in summer.

Conclusion

Making little changes on your electricity consumption and generation, will save you money and energy, reduce your utility bill, and preserve the environment for you and the future generations. You only need to start it now and watch how your life will be positively impacted. And when these benefits become visible, it will encourage others around you to act the same way.