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Leaving lights on raises the electric bill, but not as much as having high-wattage light bulbs. The best way to save on electric costs is to swap your light bulbs to LED or CFL bulbs that use far fewer watts. You can also use smart lights and light switches to control usage via a smartphone or voice-controlled device.

Services by electricians can quickly get expensive, but there are a few ways you can save money in the process:

• Bundle multiple jobs done at the same time to save on trip fees or flat fees for individual projects.

• Get at least three quotes for service to find the best deal.

• Buy fixtures, switches, outlets, and other materials beforehand to avoid product markup.

• If you feel comfortable with it, have an apprentice or journeyman complete the work under the supervision of a master electrician. These electricians in training tend to charge less per project.

Window AC units use a fair amount of electricity, but significantly less than central AC systems. Because they are more energy-efficient for cooling individual rooms or small spaces, their usage is comparatively low. On average, a window AC unit consumes between 500 and 1,400 watts, while a central AC system uses over 3,500 watts—meaning a window unit uses about one-third of the energy. This typically translates to a monthly running cost of $15 to $40, although this can vary depending on external factors.

The number one culprit of high energy bills is older appliances, especially fridges and freezers that are left on all the time. These two appliances tend to last a long time, which is good, but it also means that newer models are usually significantly more energy-efficient due to upgraded technology. The second most common reason for a high bill is heating and air conditioning.