April 27, 2026

Greetings!
Your electric bill isn't one big expense, it's dozens of small ones stacked on top of each other. The thermostat running hard than
necessary. The dryer grinding through load after load. The TV, gaming console, and coffee maker drawing quiet, continuous power around the clock whether it's being used or not.
You don't see any of this on your bill, you just see the total. And it's typically higher than you would like.
Small habits. Consistent attention. A bill that actually reflects what you need to spend, not what you've been spending on autopilot. That's the whole idea.
Let's get thrifty!
Kris
Please add kris@gophercentral.com to your address book or
visit here.
Find Out What's Actually Using The MOST Power
Before you can cut your electric bill, it helps to know where the electricity is going. Your refrigerator, water heater, HVAC system, washer/dryer, and older appliances are typically the biggest culprits.
Most utility companies offer free energy audit, either in person or through an online tool on their website. Take advantage of it. Knowing where the waste is makes every other step more effective.
Adjust Your Thermostat by Just a Few Degrees
Heating and cooling account for roughly half of the average home's energy use. Dropping your thermostat by just 2 or 3 degrees in the winter, and raising it by the same amount in the summer can reduce your monthly bill without any real sacrifice in comfort.
A programmable or smart thermostat takes this a step further by automatically adjusting the temperature when you're asleep or away from home, paying for itself quickly in monthly savings.
Clean Your HVAC Filters Regularly
A clogged air filter forces your heating and cooling system to work significantly harder to push air through your home. Checking and replacing your filters every one to three months depending on usage is one of the simplest and cheapest maintenance tasks you can do, filters typically cost just a few dollars, and it keeps your system running efficiently while extending its overall life.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water and Air Dry When You Can
Your washing machine uses very little electricity, the water heater heating the water is where the energy cost comes from. Switching to cold water for most loads cuts that cost significantly. And if you can air dry even a portion of your laundry, you're eliminating one of the most energy-hungry appliances in your home entirely. Even running the dryer one or two fewer times a week adds up over the course of a month.
Missed An Issue? Visit our archives loaded with past and new issues.