You have turned off the lights when not needed and made sure appliances you are not using are unplugged. Yet, at the end of the month, your jaw drops at the amount due on your electricity bill. Your eyes are not playing games – electricity and utility costs are on the rise. Traditional energy-saving methods are not enough. Instead, you need to be more proactive and uncover the reasons you may be using more energy than required.
Tips for Keeping Your Electricity Costs Down
While you should always unplug what you are not using and turn off the lights in rooms you are not occupying, there are more ways to save on electricity costs, including:

• Monitor Your Water Heater – If you have an electric water heater, check the temperature. A temperature too high means your water heater is working overtime to maintain that heat. Also, make sure you are emptying and flushing it each year – excess sediment makes your water heater work harder than it should, thus driving up your bill.
• Use the Slow Cooker – Your stove and oven use up a lot of electricity. A slow cooker, on the other hand, can run all day without using as much. Try using the slow cooker for meals at least twice a week. Not only will you have a meal ready when you get home for the day, but you will have saved a few dollars in the process.
• Reseal Your Windows – Your windows have a layer of caulking around the seams. This prevents air from sneaking inside or out. Each year, you should check that caulking and replace it if necessary. That way, cold or hot air is not escaping, and your HVAC system will not have to work overtime to keep the temperature just right.
• Use Electricity During Non-Peak Hours – Check with your local provider and see if they offer discounts for energy consumption during non-peak hours. If they do, don’t do laundry, dishes, etc. until those non-peak hours are in effect.

Consult an Electrician and Have Your Home Assessed for Solar Power Conversion
If you really want to save, solar power is a great option. You will want to install a solar powered system on a home you plan to live in for a while. While it is a significant upfront investment, after a few years, you will realize the savings. What’s more, the local power company may even pay to buy excess energy from your home!
Contact an electrical contractor in New Jersey to have your home assessed not only for solar conversion, but also to check where you may be using excess energy.
Call 732-332-1100 or fill out an online contact form to connect with an expert at JLC Electrical Contractors today. We offer in-depth inspections and can help you find additional ways to save or even get setup for solar power conversions.