Affordable tips for saving electricity at home

What's the best way to save the planet and our wallets at the same time? Reduce our electricity consumption, of course. While many of us want to cut down on our energy bills, we don't want to spend more money on expensive, high-maintenance alternatives. Energy-efficient products aren't always the cheapest, especially now that they're gaining popularity and aren't quite "the norm."

Panda7 has your back. Here are some of our best (and most affordable) tips for saving on electricity costs at home. Read on to see how you can make small changes that add up to big savings on your bills every month.

Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.

If you don't usually turn off the lights when you leave a room, it's time to start. Simply leaving two 100-watt incandescent bulbs off for an extra two hours each day can slightly reduce your annual electricity costs. It's not much, but it's an easy thing to do. Or, even better, consider switching to LED bulbs.

Donate or recycle your old television.

It's common these days to keep a television on in the background while we go about our daily tasks, but having an old television on for even just an hour a day can cost you up to $10 more per year. Again, it's a small thing, but these little things can add up significantly. Consider recycling the old television or donating it to someone who needs it.

Sell or recycle your desktop computer.

Did you know that using a laptop for two hours a day instead of a desktop computer that can be left idle for hours at a time can save you between $5 and $10 a year? A laptop is less expensive to maintain, portable, and just as convenient as a desktop computer.

Manage your refrigeration habits.

If you notice a leak in your refrigerator, try repairing the seal or checking that the door closes properly. You'll want to keep the doors airtight and clean to ensure that cold air is retained and warm air is kept out.

Throw away the mini-fridge.

If you already have a larger refrigerator, you might consider unplugging or even selling your mini-fridge to save over $50 a year on refrigerator costs. If you need more space, it's better to expand your existing refrigerator or invest in a freezer rather than adding another refrigerator.

Choose a microwave, a toaster or a casserole dish in the oven.

While it may not be feasible for large dinners or meals where you have family to attend, note that a microwave, toaster oven, or slow cooker can do the job of an oven in less than half the time. Replacing your oven with a more time- and energy-efficient alternative, even just four times a week, can save you up to $15 a year.

Only dry clothes that are full.

A dryer that's about three-quarters full will operate more efficiently than when you use it several times a week. Fewer loads mean lower energy consumption, and your dryer will perform better in the long run.

Choose to wash your laundry in cold water rather than hot water.

Did you know that switching from hot to cold water for about three loads of laundry per week could save you between $20 and $25 per year on your overall energy bill? Make sure you run a full load when you do. Cutting even one load per week can save you up to $20 per year.

Optimize natural lighting.

Did you know that a single south-facing window can illuminate up to 100 times its surface area? Turn off that light bulb and use natural light instead to save an extra $10 a year on energy costs.

Try using direct lighting rather than ceiling lights.

If you work, draw, or even read in a workspace or kitchen, use table lamps and track lighting (or under-counter lights) instead of overhead lights. It might only save you about $5-$10 a year, but it will be worth the extra hours.

Unplug all your unused electronic components.

Backup power can account for approximately 10% of your household's electricity consumption. Reduce this by unplugging all unused electronic devices. This can save you up to $50 per year on your electricity bills.

Inform your family members.

Don't live alone? Your family members should work with you to reduce your home's overall energy consumption. Teach them to turn off lights when they're not in use, avoid leaving electronics or televisions on, and show them why it's so important. We only have one planet, and it's our responsibility to do what we can to ensure it remains healthy and green for as long as possible. You might also want to explain to younger family members why leaving lights and appliances on for extended periods can be dangerous, or why we choose energy-efficient alternatives over standard versions.

Reduce electricity costs to become eco-friendly

We all want to do our part, and it starts at home. Whether it's reducing our electricity consumption or switching to eco-friendly alternatives, we can all help save the planet. These are just a few ways you can lower your electricity costs and improve your carbon footprint. Check out the Panda7 blog for more tips, as well as resources on insurance, 101s, and more.

Go green! Your planet (and your wallet) will thank you.