In times of financial uncertainty, like the ones we are currently experiencing due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, finding ways to save money are crucial. When you’re looking to cut down on your expenses in order to save as much money as possible, a smart place to start is reviewing your monthly bills. Electricity usage, if not monitored, is one area in which costs can quickly add up, putting a strain on your wallet. If you are wondering about ways to save on your electricity bill, read the following electricity-saving tips to help cut charges in half.

Get Your A/C and Heat Usage in Check

While it can be tempting to crank up the A/C in scorching summer months, or the heat to stay toasty in the cold winter season, resist the urge as much as possible! It’s imperative to keep an eye on your thermostat in order to save both money and energy. If you’ve been wanting to know how to reduce your electricity bill, this is a great place to start. Guidelines show that 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimal temperature to stay at during warmer months when you are at home. Are you leaving for work or an extended period of time? Cranking it up to 88 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. How can you stay cooler with a higher temperature setting than you may be accustomed to?

  • Utilize ceiling fans or box fans to keep cool.
  • Make sure your insulation is good to go, and that windows are sealed properly to keep air circulating within the home.
  • Keep windows covered with blinds and/or shades or curtains to keep outdoor sunlight from adding to the hotter temps.
  • It is also wise to have your HVAC system cleaned and serviced at least once a year to make sure they are in good working order, and that energy is not being unnecessarily wasted.

In the winter months, it’s best to keep the thermostat set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home in order to try to save money and energy. When you’re away, turn it down even lower—60 degrees Fahrenheit is a good rule of thumb. As with the warmer spring and summer seasons, make sure windows and doorways are sealed, as well as having your HVAC checked and maintained. Still feeling a chill? Try these tips:

  • Dress in warmer layers around the house. Keep socks and slippers handy for walking around your home at night.
  • Have a wood-burning fireplace? Use it! (with the proper precautions in place, of course!)
  • Keep throw blankets or quilts in your living spaces and on your bed to add an extra dash of warmth and coziness.
  • Stay sunny. During the day time, when you’re at home, allow sunlight in to warm you up.

Be Savvy About Appliances

More people than ever are working from home, so naturally, there will be an expected electricity usage increase. However, be smart about the appliances you are using while doing your daily routine. Here are some tips for saving on energy with appliances:

  • Avoid running major appliances (washer/dryer, dishwasher) during the hottest part of the day. This will keep your A/C from having to work harder to cool the house, resulting in less energy used (and less money!)
  • When prepping your meals, try to use smaller appliances instead of the stove (think toaster, toaster oven, and microwave instead of the oven). These use less energy and therefore, produce less heat.
  • Unplug unused appliances and switch off lights when you leave the room. According to gov, unplugging unused electronics and appliances can help you save money. In addition, using energy-efficient products is also a smart choice. Avoid overloading outlets when you have multiple devices to plugin by using an advanced power strip to reduce “vampire loads,” also known as electricity that is wasted when electronics are not being used.

Consider Using Prepaid Electricity to Control Costs

An ultra-modern mode of controlling your energy usage and correlating costs is to give prepaid electricity a chance. Texans can benefit from living in deregulated areas, meaning they have their choice in electric power providers. Now Power provides a number of cash-saving energy plans and promotions to get Texas residents connected while keeping more money in their pockets. Now Power also knows the importance of keeping your private information secure—there are no credit checks, ID or SSN requirements to get started today, and you won’t be roped into paying a hefty deposit or signing up for a lengthy contract.

Residents of Texas can take advantage of this innovative service immediately. As a bonus, Now Power won’t charge you any termination fees, either, unlike some electricity providers. Another Now Power perk is their “Energize Your Friends and Family” promotion—for every person you refer, you get a $30 credit to your account—and there’s no limit on how many friends or family members you can refer!

This is an excellent, easy way to start building up account credit and saving on the monthly bills in your future. All your family member or friend has to do when they sign up to make sure you get the credit is provided Now Power with your account number. If they don’t have or know your account number, no problem! They can simply state your name and service address. You’ll have your credit applied to your account as soon as they make their initial payment. This is a way to let your loved ones in on your power and money-saving secret.

Yet another one of their most popular programs is the Smart Balance 30 plan. This innovative power plan can save you 3¢ per kWh by simply maintaining a $30 balance in your account, potentially saving you $360 annually! Now Power’s Smart Balance 30 is a variable rate, prepaid electricity solution for responsible customers looking to cut costs on their electric bills.

Want to know more about Now Power and the benefits of keeping track of your energy consumption with affordable, prepaid electricity plans in Texas? Visit https://nowpowertexas.com/ and check out what they have to offer, and make the switch today.