Electricity bills are something that we generally can’t avoid. If you’ve recently experienced ‘bill shock’ and are looking to reduce your electricity bill, or even just want some new ways to save electricity, then read on.
1 | Wash in cold water
When you wash your clothes in hot water, your machine uses electricity to heat the water. If you wash in cold water, you’ll still get a great clean, but you’ll save electricity. It’s also always best to make sure you have a full load before you wash.
2 | Harness the sun
The sun is an under-utilised, completely free, energy source. Utilising the sun can be as simple as forgoing the dryer and instead, drying your clothes outside on the washing line. For more long term cost savings consider installing solar power.
3 | Unplug and switch it off
Not using an appliance will instantly save you power, so when appliances and lights aren’t in use, turn them off. The red standby light that you see on devices still uses power; it may not be much, but it adds up over time.
4 | Dress to match the weather
One of the simplest ways to reduce your electricity bill is to use less power. It sounds incredibly simple, but many of us rush to turn on the heater or air conditioner when we can simple dress differently. When the weather is cold, put on more layers. When it’s hot, wear fewer layers. Reach for a blanket instead of the heater and put money back into your pocket.
5 | Change your light bulbs
If you’re using incandescent light bulbs, switch them out for LED ones. LED bulbs can use up to 85% less energy. While they may cost more in the beginning, over time they will save you money. To avoid waste, switch them out only when an old light blows.
6 | Buy energy-efficient appliances
Along with older bulbs, older appliances can use a lot more electricity than modern ones. If you find that your bill is high and you have an old fridge, for example, consider upgrading to a more modern one. When buying any new appliance pay attention to its energy rating, the more stars it has, the more energy-efficient it is.
7 | Take advantage of off-peak tariffs
An easy way to reduce your electricity bill is to set appliances to run during off-peak times. ‘Off-peak’ refers to discounted electricity prices during set times. Off-peak times are generally when homes and businesses use less electricity. These will vary depending on your location but typically are at night or on the weekends.
8 | Negotiate a discount
Electricity providers are always trying to out-price their competition and the winner, in the end, is you. Ringing up your provider and asking for a discount is the easiest way to save money on your electricity bill. A pay-on-time discount is the most common type available, but sometimes you can get a reduction in your daily supply charge or usage charge. Don’t be afraid to tell your provider that you will switch if you don’t get a discount.
By implementing these eight easy tips, you’ll notice a significant reduction in your electricity bill. Even implementing just a few of them is sure to save you money!
