After fifteen years as a SoCal electrician, I’ve helped thousands of families reduce their electricity costs. What surprises most homeowners is learning how energy usage and rates in our region can lead to higher-than-expected bills. I’ve seen summer bills climb as high as $800 in some coastal neighborhoods! But don’t worry—I’m sharing the same money-saving advice I give my customers during service calls.
Here are 15 proven ways to lower your electricity bill:
- Switch to the right SCE rate plan
- Adjust your thermostat settings
- Seal common air leaks
- Install a smart thermostat
- Add motion sensors for lighting
- Upgrade your pool pump
- Replace outdated recessed lighting
- Improve window efficiency
- Get a free energy audit
- Use appliances during off-peak hours
- Join money-saving utility programs
- Fix hidden energy drains
- Maintain your AC system
- Use ceiling fans effectively
- Address electrical system issues
Let’s dive into each strategy in detail.
1. Switch to the Right SCE Rate Plan
Most families don’t realize they’re paying too much simply because they’re on the wrong Southern California Edison plan. Time-of-Use plans can save $30–50 monthly if you use most electricity outside peak hours (4–9 PM). For electric vehicle owners, switching to the TOU-D-PRIME rate can cut charging costs significantly. Use the SCE Rate Plan Comparison tool to compare plans.
2. Adjust Your Thermostat Settings
Coastal homes stay comfortable at 76°F during the day and 72°F at night, while inland areas might need slightly different settings. During foggy spring mornings, try using just the fan instead of running the AC. The marine layer provides natural cooling that many homeowners overlook.
3. Seal Common Air Leaks
The biggest culprits for air leaks are recessed lighting fixtures from the 1980s, sliding doors with worn seals, and forgotten attic access panels. A $5 tube of caulk and thirty minutes of work can trim $20–30 from your monthly bill. It’s the kind of simple fix that makes a big difference.
4. Install a Smart Thermostat
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium ($219) works beautifully with local utility programs, while the Emerson Sensi ($129) offers great value for budget-conscious homeowners. SCE offers a $75 rebate on smart thermostats, and by joining their Power Saver Rewards program, you can earn additional savings depending on your participation during peak events.
5. Add Motion Sensors for Lighting
Motion sensors make a surprising difference in homes where doors stay open for the breeze. Installing them in bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, and walk-in closets typically saves 5–10% on lighting costs. They’re particularly useful in homes with kids who haven’t quite mastered the art of turning off lights.
6. Upgrade Your Pool Pump
Switching to a variable-speed pool pump can typically cut $30–50 from your monthly bill. Even better, SCE currently offers a $200 rebate on these upgrades. It’s one of the fastest ways to recover your investment in energy-efficient equipment.
7. Replace Outdated Recessed Lighting
Old recessed lighting, especially in vaulted ceilings, bleeds energy day and night. Switching to modern LED fixtures can save up to $15 per fixture annually. Plus, newer fixtures are better sealed and don’t leak air into your attic. View our lighting services to see how we can help get your new lights installed.
8. Improve Window Efficiency
Western-facing single-pane windows turn rooms into saunas during summer afternoons. Installing double-pane windows or even adding solar film can reduce cooling costs by 15%. Focus first on west-facing windows where the afternoon sun hits hardest.
9. Get a Free Energy Audit
SCE provides free online energy assessments and in some cases, free in-home energy audits for qualifying customers. These audits analyze your rate plan, check for air leaks, measure insulation levels, and test appliance efficiency. It’s like getting a professional consultation at no cost.
10. Use Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
Running major appliances before 4 PM or after 9 PM saves serious money on Time-of-Use plans. Run your pool pump early morning, pre-cool your home before peak hours, charge electric vehicles overnight, and do laundry before noon.
11. Join Money-Saving Utility Programs
SCE offers several programs that pay you to save energy. Power Saver Rewards compensates you for reducing usage on hot days, and other programs like Smart Energy offer rebates and incentives. Combined with rebates, these programs can save hundreds each year.
12. Fix Hidden Energy Drains
Old doorbell transformers run constantly, pool pump timers get stuck on wrong settings, and bathroom fans accidentally wired to light switches waste energy. Even outdoor lighting timers need seasonal adjustments to stay efficient. A quick electrical inspection can spot these silent power wasters.
13. Maintain Your AC System
Monthly filter changes, clearing debris from outdoor units, and checking condensate drains prevent expensive problems. Spring tune-ups catch issues before summer heat hits, keeping your system running efficiently when you need it most.
14. Use Ceiling Fans Effectively
Run fans counterclockwise in summer to create a cooling breeze. Clean the blades monthly to prevent dust buildup that reduces efficiency. A properly used ceiling fan lets you raise your thermostat by 4 degrees without losing comfort.
15. Address Electrical System Issues
If circuit breakers trip frequently, lights dim when appliances start, or switches make buzzing sounds, call an electrician immediately. These symptoms often signal problems that waste energy and could become dangerous.
Start Saving Today
Begin with the easiest changes—switching your rate plan and sealing obvious air leaks. Then tackle bigger projects as your budget allows. Remember, you don’t have to do everything at once. Even small improvements add up to significant savings over time.
Need Professional Help Getting Started?
At All Thingz Electric, we specialize in helping homeowners implement these energy-saving solutions. Whether you need help with electrical panel issues, installing smart thermostats, or upgrading to efficient lighting, our team of certified electricians is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation to identify the best energy-saving opportunities for your home.
