Four Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill

1. Turn off lights when you leave a room.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating: turning off lights when you leave a room can save you a significant amount of money on your electric bill. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for about 10% of the average household's electricity use. So, if you're serious about saving money on your electric bill, make sure to turn off the lights when you leave a room.

2. Unplug electronics when you're not using them.

Even when electronics are turned off, they can still draw power from your outlets. This is known as "vampire power," and it can account for up to 10% of your electric bill. To avoid vampire power, unplug electronics when you're not using them. This includes things like TVs, computers, printers, and coffee makers.

3. Use energy-efficient appliances.

When you're shopping for new appliances, look for models that are energy-efficient. Energy-efficient appliances use less electricity than traditional appliances, which can save you money on your electric bill. To identify energy-efficient appliances, look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star is a government-backed program that helps consumers identify energy-efficient products.

4. Take shorter showers.

Shorter showers can help you save money on your electric bill in two ways. First, shorter showers use less hot water, which means your water heater will use less energy to heat the water. Second, shorter showers use less electricity to power the shower head.