---
title: "How to Lower Your Electric Bill This Month"
description: "How to lower your electric bill: thermostat settings, sealing drafts, LED bulbs, standby power, utility programs and budget billing. What works fast."
url: https://neededcash.com/budgeting/lower-electric-bill/
updated: 2026-10-10
site: NeededCash
---

Cut the power bill

# How to lower your electric bill

Heating and cooling are usually the biggest parts of the electric bill. That is where small changes save the most.

Quick answer

To lower your electric bill, set the thermostat a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer, especially when you are asleep or away, seal drafts around doors and windows, switch to LED bulbs, unplug or use power strips for devices that draw power on standby, and wash clothes in cold water. Ask your utility about budget billing, free energy audits and low-income discounts.

## Fast moves

1. **Adjust the thermostat.** Heating and cooling use the most energy in most homes.
2. **Seal drafts.** Weatherstripping and caulk are cheap.
3. **Change bulbs.** LEDs use far less energy than incandescent bulbs.
4. **Kill standby power.** Power strips for TVs, consoles and chargers.
5. **Call the utility.** Budget billing, time-of-use plans, discounts and free audits.

## Longer-term

The Weatherization Assistance Program can make free upgrades for qualifying households.

## Common questions

### What uses the most electricity at home?

Usually heating and cooling, then water heating, appliances and lighting.

### Does budget billing lower my bill?

It spreads costs evenly across the year so there are no spikes. It does not lower the total.

### Can I get help if I cannot pay the bill?

Yes. See LIHEAP and our guide on help paying an electric bill.

## Where these facts come from

- [U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Saver](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver)
- [ENERGY STAR: save energy at home](https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome)
- [U.S. Department of Energy: Weatherization Assistance Program](https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program)
- [HHS: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)](https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap)

Sources checked October 10, 2026. Programs and rules change; confirm details with the agency or company before you act.

## Disclosures

**Not a lender.** NeededCash.com is not a lender, loan broker, or agent of any lender and does not make credit decisions. We operate a free matching service that shares the information you submit with participating licensed lenders and lending partners, who may contact you with an offer and who pay us a referral fee.

**Rates and terms.** Each lender sets its own rates, fees, and terms and will disclose them in writing as required by the federal Truth in Lending Act before you sign. Personal and installment loans from lenders in our network typically carry APRs from about 5.99% to 35.99% with terms from 3 to 84 months. Representative example: a $5,000 loan over 36 months at 15.99% APR has 36 payments of $175.76 and a total cost of $6,327.36.

## Keep going

- [Electric bill help](https://neededcash.com/situations/help-paying-electric-bill/)
- [Weatherization assistance](https://neededcash.com/assistance/weatherization-assistance/)

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