If you keep getting huge electricity bills, it could mean one of two things: Either your electricity provider is ripping you off, or you aren’t using energy efficiently. If the latter is true, we have some tips to help you reduce that eye-popping sum in your monthly bills!

Yes, it’s true that most of us can’t get by without electricity. But there are a few simple habits you can adopt to spend less energy and less money. Also, your home will become more environment-friendly, even if just a little.

1. Change your laundry routine

Tanya Rozhnovskaya / Shutterstock.com

As most of the energy your washing machine uses is spent on heating, wash your clothes on a cooler setting. Also, wash only full loads to avoid using the washing machine too often. When it comes to drying, don’t put too much or too little stuff into your dryer. Better still, you can hang your clothes outside and let them air-dry.

2. Unplug your devices

Madiz / Shutterstock.com

Did you know that your TV, computer, and other electronics still use energy when they are plugged in, even if they are turned off? Unplug your devices, appliances, and chargers when you aren’t using them.

3. Turn off the lights when no one is in the room

eggeegg / Shutterstock.com

It sounds like a no-brainer, right? But many of us absent-mindedly leave the lights on in rooms that aren’t occupied, thus burning electricity and our money. Make it a habit to check if the lights are off when nobody is in the room.

4. Use LED lighting

Cozy Home / Shutterstock.com

LED lights are more efficient and long-lasting than older alternatives. Ditch halogen and incandescent lights in favor of LED lights, and you’ll see smaller numbers in your electricity bills.

5. Use your dishwasher correctly

Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com

Use the dishwasher only when it’s full. Also, make sure the dishes are arranged correctly so you won’t have to re-wash them. In addition to that, try using a cooler setting, as dishwashers use plenty of energy to heat the water.

6. Regulate temperature in your home wisely

Wstockstudio / Shutterstock.com

When it’s too hot or too cold outside, we can spend hefty sums on creating comfortable temperature in our homes. So here are a few ways to spend less:

• turn off AC (or turn down the heating) when leaving home;
• use AC only in the room you’re in, and close doors, windows, and curtains to prevent cool air from escaping;
• to make the air in your home fresher and cooler when it’s warm outside, you can simply open windows and doors everywhere in your home and let the air circulate;
• check if your home is properly insulated, so it doesn’t lose heat in cold months.

This material is provided for informational purposes only. Some of the products and items discussed in this article may cause an allergic reaction and damage your health. Before use, consult a certified technician/specialist. The editorial board is not responsible for any harm or other consequences that may be caused by the use of the methods, products or items described in this article.