To achieve a lower electric bill, start by finding out how much you pay for energy. Most utility companies start subscribers off at a base rate that can sometimes be very high. If you don't make much money, you may qualify for low-income subsidies, so you should ask your electric company about how to apply for them. You may also want to consider joining a time-of-use meter program, if available, which offers different energy rates depending on what time of day the power is used, with a substantial savings in off-peak hours. If you are disabled and you rely on life support equipment or need a very controlled temperature, you may qualify for monthly energy rebates.
Ductless Heat Pump Systems. Use Less Electricity
After you have established that you have the best energy rate possible, you can get a lower electric bill by changing the way you use the energy. Start by turning off lights you do not use; while this savings is small, it can add up in the long run. Using compact florescent bulbs can also help to lower your electric bill, since they use less energy. You may also want to consider timers or motion sensors for things like exterior lights.
Look for ways to avoid using appliances that use a lot of energy. Try hanging clothing on a clothesline in good weather rather than using a dryer, for example. Run your dishwasher only when it's full, and skip the heated dry function; open it to allow the dishes to air dry. If you have an old refrigerator or freezer in the basement or garage that you don't use regularly, unplug it — and remove the door for safety.
Ductless Heating Systems. Reduce the Need for Heating and Cooling.
Running your heater and air conditioner frequently uses a lot of electricity, so look for ways to reduce your dependence. In the winter, open your drapes or curtains to let the sun help warm your house; keep the curtains closed when the sun is down to help with insulation. During the summer, keep your curtains closed during the hottest part of the day so the sun can't shine in. Open your windows for ventilation in the summer as much as possible, rather than using air conditioning. Use a fan for air circulation in winter and summer to maintain temperatures without using forced heating and cooling systems.
Keep the thermostat as cool as you comfortably can during the winter. You should also acquire a programmable thermostat, if you don't already have one, and set the temperature lower at night. Not only will this lower your electric bill, it will also help you sleep, since cooler temperatures promote healthy sleep. Close off rooms you do not use frequently as well, rather than trying to keep them at the same temperature as the rest of the house.
Ductless Air Conditioning. Switch to Energy Efficient Appliances.
More energy efficient appliances will also lower your electric bill. You may not want to replace all of your appliances at once, but as they wear out, look for appliances with recommendations from organizations like Energy Star. High efficiency washers and dryers can save you a great deal of money, as can refrigerators and hot water heaters that are designed to use less energy. As a general rule, gas is cheaper than electricity for heating and stoves, and you may want to consider switching to gas for these appliances if possible. You can also get a lower electric bill by installing solar panels, along with a passive solar water heating system.