Your electric bill doesn’t have to be so shocking

In this week’s installment of USA TODAY’s Taming Your Budget-Busting Bills series, we look at how to lower your energy costs.

The average household spends about $112 a month on energy bills, and prices are steadily rising, according to the Energy Information Administration.

The first step to demystifying your electricity bill, and hopefully reducing it, is to take stock of where you use the most energy.

“Cutting energy waste results in energy savings, but it also translates into money savings,” said Kateri Callahan of the Alliance to Save Energy, a coalition that promotes energy efficiency.

You can find a professional energy auditor to help you assess your home’s energy use, potentially for free, through your electric company or the Department of Energy’s website. If you follow their efficiency upgrade recommendations, you could shave 5% to 30% off your energy bill.

Heating/cooling: Keep the blinds open in the winter and closed in the summer. Water heaters: Lower the temperature on your water heater from the standard 140 degrees to 120. Washers: Wash your clothes in cold water.

Appliances: Energy vampires — such as your smartphone charger, computer and coffeemaker — should always be unplugged when not in use.

Discounts: Check your utility company website for savings opportunities. Some utility companies offer rebate programs and off-peak rates.