Many expenses come along with owning a home. One of the most costly of them is electricity. Across the United States, the average person spends 7% of their income on energy bills. 

Rhode Island residents have the fifth highest electricity bills in the country. We pay an average of 19 cents per kilowatt-hour, which almost 50% higher than the national average.

To avoid spending large amounts of money on electricity, try these three tips.

#1. Start Simple

There are small, simple steps that you can take around your home to reduce your electricity bill:

• Start by switching your lightbulbs to LED lights. The cost of LED lightbulbs is significantly lower now than in previous years and it's an easy change you can make in your household. 
  
  
• You can also install dimmer switches on your lights. Instead of always having your lights on full display, you can use less energy and keep them dim in situations where you do not need much light.
  
  
• Many people leave things plugged in for days, constantly using electricity. Unplug your appliances and electronics when you are not using them.
  
  
• Next time you do the laundry, wash with cold water. Research has shown that this can save up to $152 a year on electricity bills.
  
  
• Along with using cold water in your washing machine, air-dry clothes when you can. String up a clothesline and your electricity usage will begin to drop.
  
  
• Heating uses a huge amount of energy. Clean your windows so that natural lighting can heat up your home.
  
  

#2. Clean House

Simple changes aside, there are a lot of other ways to reduce your electricity bill. While it make take more time than simply unplugging a toaster, there are several home improvement opportunities that makes great weekend projects to tackle this summer. 

First, open and clean your vents. If they are closed or dirty, it will take more energy to get airflow. You can also help the airflow by putting standing fans around your home.

You can also replace outdated appliances to save electricity. Old appliances are generally less efficient than new ones, so it takes more energy to run them.

Each appliance has an average lifespan that dictates when you should expect to see decreased efficiency. If any of your appliances have passed their lifespan, consider upgrading and investing in one of the many energy efficient options on the market! 

#3. Invest in Solar

Though it is the largest commitment of the three options, going solar is an extremely effective way to shrink your electricity bill. A solar system is a great investment for your home that will continue paying you back for more than 25 years. Renewable energy can help you take control of your electricity bill.

Despite what some may believe, solar power is still functional in the darker months of winter. The cold temperatures of Rhode Island winters make solar panels even more efficient than in the summer!

Concerned about the cost? The price to install a solar system in your home has dropped by 70% since 2010. Additionally, most solar panels still function at 87% efficiency after 25 to 30 years of use.

Not only will solar panels save money on your electricity bill, but you could actually get paid for your system! The Rhode Island Distributed Energy Board and National Grid have collaborated on the RI Renewable Energy Growth Program, which is an incentive program designed to encourage homeowners to use grid-connected renewable solar energy within the state. 

Reduce Your Electricity Bill with BCX

No matter how much time or money you have to invest, there are many ways to reduce your electricity bill. If you have an interest in solar, watch our 7 Step Solar Assessment Video or schedule a consultation with one of our solar experts.