How to Lower Your Electric Bill: Tips from an Electrician

If you’re tired of having high energy bills every month, you’re not alone. At Surge Electrical, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses across Issaquah, Sammamish, Renton, Bellevue, and surrounding areas save money by making smart electrical upgrades. In this guide, discover some of our expert tips to lower your electric bill. Here are a few tips we recommend:

Tip #1: Upgrade Your Home to Energy-Efficient Solutions

Your electrical system might be costing you a lot more than it should. Outdated wiring, inefficient lighting, and old appliances all waste energy while driving your costs up. Our team Surge Electrical specializes in helping people make energy-efficient electrical upgrades to help lower electrical bills. Some upgrades we specialize in include:

• LED Lighting Installation – Traditional incandescent bulbs burn out fast and use more power. Whether you’re trying to install lighting for a new property or are trying to upgrade an old lighting fixture, we can install high-quality LED lighting that lasts longer and uses up to 75% less energy.
• Electrical Panel Upgrades – An old electrical panel may not distribute electricity efficiently. If your lights flicker or breakers trip often, a panel upgrade can improve safety and reduce wasted energy.
• Smart Home Upgrades – Installing smart switches and dimmers lets you control energy usage easily. No more leaving the lights on all night!

Tip #2: Unplug Devices from Outlets When Not in Use

Many devices continue using electricity even when turned off. This “phantom load” comes from items like printers, computers, chargers, and kitchen appliances. Unplugging devices when not in use can reduce your energy waste.

Tip #3: Take a Look at Your Electrical System

If your energy bills seem higher than they should be, it could be time for an electrical inspection. Small issues like faulty wiring, loose connections, or an overloaded panel can drive up your costs.

At Surge Electrical, we offer comprehensive electrical inspections to find and fix hidden energy waste in your home. We’ll check your electrical system, including wiring efficiency, breaker panel condition, and appliance load to make sure your home is properly powered while still reducing energy consumption. We also specialize in electrical repairs for both home and commercial properties to ensure any necessary electrical fixes are taken care of.

Tip #4: Install a Smart Thermostat

Your heating and cooling system is one of the biggest contributors to your electric bill. A smart thermostat helps regulate temperature automatically, so you’re not wasting energy heating or cooling an empty home.

Tip #5: Practice Energy-Saving Habits

Lowering your electric bill isn’t just about upgrades – it’s also about daily practices. Here are a few simple changes that add up to big savings over time:

• During hot summer months, switch on your ceiling fans to reduce reliance on AC.
• Run appliances like dishwashers and laundry machines only when full.
• Keep air filters clean to improve HVAC efficiency.
• Open blinds during the day for natural lighting instead of using overhead lights.
• Whenever you leave a room, make a habit of turning off the lights.

Tip #6: Enroll in One of PSE’s Rebate or Bill Assistance Programs

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) offers rebates and offers for customers who switch to energy-efficient appliances or heating/cooling systems. You could get cash back on appliances, LED lighting, EV charging, and smart thermostats.

If you’re a PSE customer, you also could potentially qualify for PSE’s Bill Discount Rate (BDR) . You can fill out an application on their site, and can save up to 5% - 45% on your bill depending on your household income and size.

Slash Your Electric Costs with Surge Electrical

At Surge Electrical, we don’t just do quick fixes – we find real solutions to lower your electric bill. From panel upgrades to energy-efficient lighting, our electrical services help bring down the electrical costs for your home or business. Give us a call or contact us to schedule an appointment today!

Discover how we’ve helped countless customers across our service area  – explore our 100+ 5-star reviews to learn more about Surge Electrical.

FAQ: Your Electrical Questions Answered

1. What are some signs that my electrical system is outdated?

If your lights flicker, breakers trip often, or your panel is warm to the touch, it’s a sign your electrical system may need an upgrade, and an indicator that they’re potentially running up your electrical bill – you can take a look at our guide on figuring out whether or not your electrical system needs repairs to learn more. Our team at Surge Electrical can inspect your electrical system and recommend energy-efficient improvements.

2. What’s the difference between a smart thermostat and a programmable thermostat?

A programmable thermostat lets you set temperature schedules, while a smart thermostat learns your habits and adjusts automatically. It can also be controlled remotely through a phone app, helping reduce unnecessary energy use.

3. Will upgrading my electrical panel lower my electric bill?

Yes! An old panel may not distribute power efficiently, leading to wasted energy. A modern panel upgrade ensures your system runs at peak efficiency and can handle today’s energy demands.

4. How much does it cost to install LED lighting throughout my home?

It depends on the size of your home and the number of fixtures. However, since LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy and last years longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, the savings quickly add up. We can provide an estimate based on your needs.

5. Why does my energy bill seem higher even though I use the same amount of power?

There could be multiple reasons – your electrical system might have hidden inefficiencies, your appliances may be drawing more power than necessary, or your home’s insulation could be affecting heating and cooling costs. A professional energy inspection from Surge Electrical can pinpoint the problem.