Energy prices have risen dramatically in the last few years and for most people take up a significant chunk of the monthly budget. If you are looking to save money on the electric bill, we have some tips for you.
With Winter drawing ever closer it is the most important time to look for ways to save energy in the home.
Luckily, there are several simple steps you can take in your home to significantly reduce your electricity bills:
How to Save Money on the Electric Bill
Get a energy-efficient shower head
You will have heard that a shower wastes far less water than a bath and in the past this was correct.
But today, modern high-power showers can use as much water in as few minutes as it takes to fill a bath.
For maximum water efficiency replace it with an energy-efficient shower head.
You will still be able to have an invigorating shower as they use technology that can produce water flows that feel much higher than they actually are.
However, you will save on your water bill and also the energy required to heat the water.
Studies show that most energy saving shower heads will pay for themselves in just three months.
Look at your lights
Lighting typically accounts for 8% of household energy bills. Replacing traditional light bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs is a tried and tested technique to save cash.
However, there are also other more innovative ways to save some money.
Try and arrange light switches so that it is easy to turn them off. While most of us are good at turning lights off, it can be tempting to leave the light on if you are returning shortly.
Turning off lights is always the easiest way to save money and you should always do it even if you are only leaving the room for a minute or two.
Wire your lights so you can switch the landing light off at the top or the bottom of the stairs.
Consider adding dimming switches; just turn them up or down as needed. You’ll save money using dimmers.
Get a range of lighting in the house and then use the light for the job in hand. For example if you were watching television, a low level of light should suffice.
Another light efficiency measure is to put lamps in the corner of the room so that light is reflected off two walls.
Watch out for “standby” power
Most of us are guilty about not giving a second thought to leaving our appliances on standby overnight.
It’s a habit we should break with televisions, satellite boxes and other video and audio equipment being the worst offenders in terms of costing money.
It’s a common occurrence and according to reports, standby use accounts for up to 16% of the average energy bill!
Stop losing money while you sleep and turn off equipment left idling on standby. It may worth investing in a handy device to turn them all off with one switch.
Another option is to buy a special plug that automatically turns off electrical devices that are left on standby for long periods.
If you are going away for extended periods of time, always unplug your appliances (except maybe your fridge).
Layer up on clothing
Before you turn that thermostat up, put on warmer clothes instead.
Wear several thin layers, rather than one thick layer and go for clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy fabrics if possible. Sweaters made from 100% wool are great for keeping warm.
And…wear slippers. Most people walk around the house in their socks. Stop doing that!
Buy some slippers to wear inside; you will be surprised at how much warmer YOU stay, simply because your feet are warmer. Here are some great tips for layering winter clothing to stay warm.
Use these tips to start to save money on the electric bill. Then put your thinking cap on to see what else you can do to slash that monthly bill.
Want to read about more ways to Save Money at Home?
