10 Ways to Save Money on Electricity Bills
Save money on electricity bills by reducing electricity usage from your appliances. It will not only lower your energy bills but also helps the environment. There are several simple measures we can take that we might not often think about but they can help us save considerable expense.
Here are several practical tips to help save money on electricity bills by minimising energy consumption by household electrical appliances:
1. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
- Energy Star Ratings: When purchasing new appliances, look for the Energy Star label or other energy efficiency ratings. These appliances use less electricity compared to standard models.
- High-Efficiency Models: It may help to reduce costs in the long run if you Invest in high-efficiency washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers that consume less energy and water. Most retailers provide energy ratings.
2. Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
- Phantom Load: Many appliances remain in standby mode and draw power even when turned off. Unplug chargers, microwaves, toasters, and other small appliances when they’re not in use.
- Group the Power Sources: Use extension leads or fixed wired switched spurs for groups of appliances, making it easy to switch them all off at once.
3. Optimise Appliance Usage
- Laundry: Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible and ensure full loads to maximise efficiency. Use a drying rack or clothesline instead of the dryer.
- Dishwasher: Run the dishwasher only when it’s full, and use the energy-saving or eco cycle. Allow dishes to air dry instead of using the heat drying option.
- Cooking: Use a microwave, toaster, portable grill, or slow cooker instead of the oven for smaller meals. These appliances use less energy and generate less heat.
4. Regular Maintenance
- Clean Filters: Clean or replace filters in your air conditioners, heaters, dryers, and vacuum cleaners regularly to ensure they run efficiently.
- Defrost Freezers: Regularly defrost manual defrost freezers and keep them well-organized to improve air circulation and efficiency.
- Refrigerator Coils: Clean the coils on the back or bottom of your refrigerator every six months to improve efficiency.
5. Smart Thermostat Usage
- Programmable Thermostats: Install programmable or smart thermostats to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re not home, reducing the workload of your heating system.
- Temperature Settings: Set your thermostat to a few degrees lower in winter and keep the heating off during the summer months. Ceiling fans can help to keep a room cool by circulating air to maintain comfort and use much less energy than a desktop fan.
6. Efficient Lighting
- LED Bulbs: Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which use up to 80% less energy and last much longer.
- Natural Light: Make use of natural light during the day by opening curtains and blinds. This reduces the need for artificial lighting.
7. Water Heating
- Lower Temperature: Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) to save energy. Insulate the water heater and hot water pipes to reduce heat loss.
- Tankless Water Heaters: Consider switching to a tankless water heater, which heats water on demand and eliminates the energy lost in maintaining the temperature of a tank of hot water.
8. Seal and Insulate
- Insulation: Ensure your home is well-insulated to reduce the workload on your heating and cooling systems. Install cavity wall insulation if you don’t have it already and seal windows, doors, and any other gaps where air can escape.
- Weather Stripping: Apply weather stripping to windows and doors to prevent drafts and improve energy efficiency.
9. Smart Appliance Use
- Timers and Sensors: Use timers and motion sensors to control lighting and appliances, ensuring they are only on when needed.
- Smart Home Systems: Consider a smart home system that can monitor and control energy use across various appliances, and even allow you to turn appliances on or off remotely, including when abroad.
10. Energy Audits
- Professional Audit: Have a professional energy audit performed to identify areas where you can improve efficiency and reduce consumption.
- DIY Audit: Conduct a DIY energy audit using online tools and checklists to spot inefficiencies in your home.
Implementing these strategies will help you reduce electricity usage with appliances, leading to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
The Appliance Company sell many energy-efficient appliances. Check out our shop page using the button below.
