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The Time of Day You Do Dishes Could Lower Your Electric Bill

A dishwasher's bottom racked is pulled out and filled with clean plates, bowls, and silverware.
Vladyslav Lehir/Shutterstock.com

In times such as these, many of us are doing our best to save money whenever and wherever we can. Figuring out reliable methods that lower your electric bill can make a big difference. Thankfully, saving a little money on your electric bill can be as easy as changing what time you run your dishwasher.

By taking advantage of a time-of-use electricity plan and shifting your dishwashing routine, you could potentially lower your monthly bill thanks to avoiding what many electric companies deem “peak hours.”

Peak hours are the times of day when demand for electricity is at its highest. In most cases, this is late afternoon and early evening. During these times, your utility company charges a higher rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity used, which can quickly add up.

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A smart, programmable thermostat is another great way to save on your electric bill.

Just as there are peak hours, though, there are non-peak hours. During this time, companies will drop the cost of electricity used since there are not as many people wanting to access the grid. Typically, these times fall overnight and in the early morning.

If you want a lower electric bill, make some adjustments to your routine. Instead of running your dishwasher during those peak hours, try running it during off-peak hours when the rates are lower.

In cases where you’re really looking to save on your utility bill, don’t stop at adjusting your dishwashing schedule. You can also try running your laundry machine and setting your programmable thermostat to operate at off-peak hours.

Abbey Ryan Abbey Ryan
Abbey Ryan is a storyteller, preferably of stories in written form. Across the 5 years of her professional writing career, her work has been featured in The Chicago Tribune, Amazon, The Medical News Today, and more. When she's not writing (which is rare), she's likely traveling, painting, or on the hunt for a good snack. Read Full Bio »
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