17 Money-Saving Tips for Cutting Your Energy Bill
Energy costs have risen considerably in the last four years, leaving many households needing to reduce their usage. We all need to heat our homes in the colder months and sometimes we rely on air conditioning to keep things cool in a hot summer.
Whatever the time of year, there are many ways to bring those costs down and keep them within our budget.
The tips that follow relate to different areas of the home, but they all combine to deliver lower bills across the calendar year.
1. Turn Off the Lights
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It’s a simple suggestion, but a lot of people fail to follow this essential advice. When you leave a room, turn off the lights, and you could save yourself a few hundred dollars each year.
If you’ve got out of the habit, it might be helpful to set yourself a reminder when you leave for work each day. When you’re aware of the potential additional costs, you may be sp shocked you start turning off those lights at every opportunity.
2. Switch Off Sensor Lights in the Daytime
During daylight hours, outdoor lights have little or no effect, so switching them off is a good idea. They’ll always be on in the background, using electricity, even if nobody notices.
If you can, install a light with a timer. You can then set the hours you want the lights on while reducing energy costs and retaining the device’s effectiveness.
3. Step Away from the Oven
New kitchen gadgets such as air fryers have reduced reliance on traditional ovens. They are also more energy efficient. While there is an initial purchase cost, it can be recovered over time. If you prefer a more old-fashioned approach to cooking, why not head outdoors and use the grill when the weather allows?
4. Turn Down Your Thermostat
You shouldn’t turn your thermostat down so far that you’re freezing in your house, but even a small change in temperature can have a marked impact on your energy bill.
Turning down the temperature by just one degree could save you around $200 yearly on heating costs. Remember to stay comfortable, but reduce the room temperature if you can.
5. Switch off Heating in Empty Rooms
Most of us have a room in the house that we rarely use. It may be a guest bedroom or a place where we store clutter that we will eventually sort out. Heating these rooms is unnecessary for much of the year, so consider turning off radiators or electrical devices in these rooms. If you can, put covers over any wents so the heat or air conditioning is redirected into more-used rooms throughout your home.
6. Dry Clothes Outside When Possible
Of all household appliances, the dryer is one of the most expensive to run. Unfortunately, it’s also the most convenient, and it’s so easy to throw clothes, towels, and everything else in after a wash cycle.
We may be more inclined to dry clothes outside, knowing the costs involved with using the dryer. You don’t need a hot day; if it’s dry with a gentle breeze, you can save considerably using the outdoor elements.
7. Draught Proof Your Home
Heat escaping through gaps in windows and doors costs the average household hundreds of dollars annually. The good news is that those gaps can be filled at relatively low costs.
It might be helpful to look into draught-proofing your chimney, saving you more money in the process, especially if you rarely use your fireplace.
8. Bleed Radiators
When gas radiators fill with air, they become less efficient. They might take longer to heat up, and consuming more energy while waiting for rooms to become warm.
Bleeding radiators releases trapped air and quickly restores your appliances to maximum efficiency. It’s a relatively easy task, but a heating engineer will do it for a small fee if you’re not confident in your own skills.
9. Heat Yourself
Sometimes, the oldest money-saving tips are the best. Before switching on your central heating, keep adding extra layers of clothing and blankets to stay warm.
Instead of heating your entire bedroom, consider purchasing an electric blanket for nighttime. New models are snug and cozy and don’t cost a lot to purchase or run.
10. Clear the Area Around Your Air Conditioning
The heat coming from TVs, DVD players, gaming consoles, and other electronics can trick your air conditioning into thinking that the outside temperature is much warmer. Keep the area clear so your air conditioner isn’t confused about the actual temperature inside your home.
11. Replace Air Conditioning with Fans
Not every house has central air conditioning or an AC unit, but those who have it will testify to its comforts but also its high costs. Keeping cool in hot summers is essential, but is there an alternative to those expensive units?
Some modern fans claim to be more energy efficient and are worth considering. Before you buy, choose a new model and compare likely cooling costs to your AC.
12. Work to Optimum Fridge Capacity
Your fridge works best when it is three-quarters full. At 75% capacity, there is enough room for cold air to circulate and keep produce cool and fresh.
A cramped fridge makes it harder to circulate the air, and the interior will be warmer. When your appliance is almost empty, warm air from outside will rush in and stay in when you open the door.
13. Defrost Your Freezer
While we’re on the subject of keeping food cold, you should also address any issues with your freezer. If you’ve allowed ice to build up, the appliance has to work harder, which costs more money.
Defrost your freezer regularly as part of your household routine. You’ll keep costs down while freeing up more space to store produce.
14. Address Your Saucepans
It’s a little-known fact that using a suitable saucepan can save energy. If you’re heating a small amount of vegetables, don’t use an oversized pan, as this wastes electricity.
Use a pan to fit the size of the meal. Another tip is to keep the saucepan and pot lids on while cooking, as this allows the water and the food to heat up more quickly.
15. Turning Off Faucets
Leaving the faucet running when brushing teeth is another standard household action that can waste a lot of money. Water is a precious resource; we should look after it while saving money on our bills.
Next time you brush, only use as much water as you need. You’ll notice a drop in your bills over time and feel good about protecting this vital commodity.
16. Take Showers Instead of Baths
While a lot of people love their time in the bath, allowing us to relax for for a little while. However, baths are much more wasteful than showers, and if your heating and water bills are high, it’s worth considering a switch.
You don’t have to stop baths completely. Even if you switch to one shower a week, it will affect your energy costs.
17. Get Outdoors
Whether you’re worried about keeping your home warm or cool, one answer is to get outside and forget it for a while. While getting outdoors isn’t as appealing in the winter, getting some exercise can help us keep warm while we leave the heating switch alone for an hour or two.
