The average U.S. household uses more than 10,700 kWh of electricity a year. If you do the math, that works out to be over $1,000 a year.

The good news is that there are several steps that you can take to lower these costs. Not only will it save you money, but it’ll be better for the planet as well.

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Did you receive an abnormally high electric bill? Looking for some ways to lower it? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ll be going over how to save energy below. To learn more, be sure to read the rest of the post!

1. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Energy-efficient appliances use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models without sacrificing performance or features. Take ENERGY STAR certified dryers. For example, they use 20 percent less electricity than conventional dryers.

They might cost more upfront, but they’ll save you money in the long term (with small monthly savings that’ll add up over time). Depending on where you are, you may also be able to take advantage of local rebates, which will lower your out-of-pocket costs.

2. Switch to Solar Power

Installing solar panels on your roof will allow you to convert sunlight into electrical energy, which you can then use to power your house. If anything, it can drastically reduce your electric bills (up to 50% a month).

Keep in mind, however, that the upfront costs can be high. On average, you’re looking at around $12,000 to $17,000 after federal tax incentives.

And here’s a tip—don’t try to save money by installing the solar panels yourself. Hire a professional for the job instead (just search for a ‘solar company near you‘). They’ll ensure that all the necessary permits are obtained and that all safety measures are in place.

3. Use Smart Power Strips

Electronics such as computers and video game systems continue to draw electricity even when they’re turned off or in standby mode. Known as a ‘phantom load,’ these small amounts of energy can account for 10 percent of your total electricity costs.

That’s why it’s recommended that you unplug your devices when they’re not in use.

Another option is to use a smart power strip. They’ll automatically turn off the electricity to the devices that you aren’t using, which will save you both energy and money. For example, many can be set to turn off after a period of inactivity through remote switches—this can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

Getting Rid of That Abnormally High Electric Bill

And there you have it—three tips on how to get rid of that abnormally high electric bill for good. As you can see, there are several ways to save energy, from using energy-efficient appliances to installing solar panels.

Did you find this article helpful? For more content like this, check out the rest of our home section!