# Top Environmental-friendly Tricks To Reduce Your Monthly Bills - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/11/top-environmental-friendly-tricks-to-reduce-your-monthly-bills/ - Published: 2021-11-01T17:42:11-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy You may think that your energy bill is out of your control. This might be true, but it doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference. There are a variety of things you can do at home to increase your energy efficiency. This blog post will go over some practical ways to reduce the amount of money you spend on utilities each month. All these tricks are both environmentally friendly and very easy to do. ![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/unnamed-2.jpg? resize=420%2C236&quality=52&ssl=1 "unnamed-2 - The Green Living Guy") ## Unplug electronics when they’re not being used  When your electronic devices are left plugged in, they continue to run even if they are not in use. That means that you are still consuming power through these devices, adding more to your energy bill. This is not a good thing, particularly if you live in a state where electricity prices are soaring high like Hawaii. Nevertheless, when you explore online sources and government sites, you may be surprised to find that [Texas electricity prices](https://electricityplans.com/texas/) are lower than the national average because this state leads the nation in leveraging wind sources to generate electricity. Nevertheless, even if you live in Texas, you may still incur a large energy bill if you don’t mindfully unplug electronics and appliances that are not in use most of the time. * ### Turn off appliances that are not being used  In parallel to unplugging electronics, turning off the appliances that you are not using will also [reduce](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/03/electric-cars-turning-on-the-juice/) the amount of electricity you use, and also save money on your monthly bill. This is true for most appliances, including your TV, computer, and lights. By unplugging your appliances when they are not in use and turning them off completely when you are done using them, you will reduce the amount of money spent on powering these devices each month. ## Get a programmable thermostat To automatically adjust the temperature of your home, you can install a programmable thermostat. This is an excellent way to save money on your heating and cooling bills because it lets you set the temperature in your home when you are not there, or while sleeping at night. During the times that your house is empty, this device can switch off the air conditioning unit until someone comes back into the home. It can also turn off the heat when no one is there and make sure that you do not waste energy by heating a space that is not being used. ## Install motion-activated light switches Another excellent way to reduce your monthly bills is installing motion-activated light switches in the rooms that are frequently used like bathrooms, hallways, and stairwells. This is a great way to cut down on energy consumption, particularly during the day. It also proves to be a convenient way to save energy because there is no need to manually turn on or off the lights once you enter or leave a room. When you come home from work in the evening, there will be no need to turn on any of these lights because they can be powered on automatically by your motion detection switch.  ## Change all light bulbs in your house to energy-efficient LED lights For lower power bills, you can replace all the light bulbs in your house with energy- efficient LED lights. This is a great way to save money on lighting costs because when you use [LED](https://www.lifehack.org/533944/top-8-benefits-using-led-lights), it emits just as much light while using a fraction of the electricity that traditional incandescent and halogen lamps consume. Not only do these types of devices help conserve energy but they last longer. Therefore, which you will not have to replace them as often. They do cost a little more than traditional lightbulbs, but it is very well worth it.  Otherwise, you can also switch from incandescent lighting to fluorescent lighting. They use less electricity and costs less per watt-hour. Fluorescent lighting is also more durable and emits light that looks better in the eyes. Unlike incandescent lamps, which can cause headaches after long periods of use. Hence, fluorescent lighting is a good alternative for people who are looking to reduce their monthly bills. * ### Use natural light whenever possible  You can also opt to open curtains or install skylights in your home to let the sun’s natural light in. This will reduce the amount of electricity you use during daytime hours. It can also help lower heating costs by avoiding heat loss through windows that receive direct sunlight. Natural light is also more comfortable for the eyes and can help reduce eye strain. ## Change your air filters regularly For maximum energy efficiency, consider replacing your air filter every three months or so. This is an easy way to improve the air quality in your home, reduce dust build-up, and ensure that your heating system is working at maximum capacity. Changing out old filters ensures that there is no blockage or clogging of exhaust vents which can cause poor airflow. This will not only help lower energy costs but also help prolong the life of your appliances. ## Invest in a solar heater Finally, another excellent way to save energy is by installing a [solar water heater](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/01/nyserda-funds-clean-energy-for-innovative-solutions/). Solar-powered devices are very economical because you will not have to pay expensive electricity bills every month. That’s because they use free sunlight as their main source of power. A [solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/12/traditional-vs-satellite-solar-which-saves-more/) heater will not only help you save money on your monthly bills but reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. There is also the option to install solar panels on your roof. They can power your entire home! However, you need to speak to a professional contractor. They can explain the benefits and disadvantages of installing them before you make a final decision. ![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/unnamed.jpg? resize=300%2C198&quality=52&ssl=1 "unnamed - The Green Living Guy") There are several easy ways that homeowners can reduce their energy usage and save money on electricity bills. Installing a programmable thermostat, switching to LED light bulbs, turning off appliances when not in use. Also using natural light whenever possible by opening curtains or installing skylights. All of these simple steps will help you cut your [power bill while also reducing your carbon](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/the-power-of-wetlands-and-mangroves-as-carbon-sinks/) footprint.  ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)