Do you want to lower your electric bill? Average residential electricity prices are expected to rise 4.7 per cent this year and another 3.3 per cent next year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy's Short Term Energy Outlook. Reducing your home's electricity usage can save quite a bit of money as well as shrink your family's carbon footprint. This page will show you how to lower your electric bill, which is one of the easier budgetary adjustments you can make. In addition to a lower bill, you just may find your home to be more comfortable too!

Clean your air conditioning and heating unit air filters every month. Dust and dirt hinder air flow and reduce efficiency. Make sure that nothing blocks vents, such as furniture or draperies. Obstructions require more energy to provide sufficient energy to heat or cool a room to the desired temperature. Have your heating and air system inspected and cleaned each year. Routinely clean under your refrigerator, as well as the coils in the back of the unit. Dust accumulation will have your compressor working double time.

Replace incandescent bulbs with the more energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs. While the small fluorescent bulbs are initially more expensive, they do reduce energy consumption by as much as 75 per cent. They also last much longer than incandescent bulbs.

Cell phone chargers, televisions, DVD players, VCRs, computers, modems, printers, scanners, stereos, microwaves and many other kitchen appliances continue to draw an idle electrical current even when not in use. Rather than having to physically unplug each item from their outlet, plug these devices into a power strip to unplug multiple items at one time when you are retiring for the evening or leaving the house.

Investigate for cracks along windows and door frames. Use caulk and weather-stripping to plug any of these drafts. Close blinds or utilize insulated window treatments to block sunlight. Another option is to install tinted window film.

Turn off the heat dry setting on the dishwasher to minimize the drain on electricity. When washing clothes, use cold water to save up to 90 per cent on energy consumed by your washing machine. Wash full loads in both your washing machine and dishwasher. Less frequent usage will save energy and money. Line dry clothing or hang clothes on a drying rack or the shower rod to save on dryer costs. Set your water heater to 130-140 degrees to save on heating water. Keep your refrigerator and freezer full. Food insulates both, lessening the amount of time the refrigerator needs to run to cool the unit.

If your appliances are over ten years old, replace them with Energy Star models. These use considerably less energy than their counterparts.

Many utility companies offer free home energy audits for their customers that is well worth performing. Also, have a certified technician ensure air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems are operating at peak efficiency. Inefficiencies in these systems can reduce energy efficiency by up to 20 per cent. The $50 to $100 inspection fee can easily be offset by energy savings through the course of the year.