Every year, electricity prices are going up, costing people hundreds of dollars. The situation is especially grim in Australia, where power costs increased by more than 60% in the past decade and many people have to choose between paying bills and buying food! So, even though you can’t really affect energy prices, you can save some cash by minimizing electricity consumption no matter where you live in the world. Here are some of the best and easiest tricks you can try today.
Insulation is the key
Improving the insulation isn’t really a fast solution, but it’s definitely the best one! It reduces energy loss by preventing the heat and cold from escaping the house and it helps keep your home a pleasant temperature all year round. So, make sure to boost your insulation and draft-proof your home. Make sure your windows and doors are sealed to save up more than $60 a year.
Choose the best appliances
If you have old household appliances, devices and gadgets, chances are you’re consuming more energy than needed. By updating your electronics to new, Energy Star models, you’ll manage to save about $300 a year. However, it’s always better to choose compact ones, especially if you live alone or have a small family. No matter how many energy stars your washing machine has, it will be wasting energy if it’s half empty! You should also watch out how you leave your gadgets and appliances when not in use. Many TVs, computers, washing machines and microwaves have a ‘sleep’ mode, which means they still use a little bit of energy you’ll have to pay for after!
The sun is the key
Using the sun to your advantage can make your home greener, brighter and healthier. Apart from maximising the amount of natural light your home gets, you should consider switching to cost-effective solar power and reduce your electricity bill significantly. By switching to energy generated by solar panels, you’ll cut your energy consumption, lower your carbon footprint and increase your savings in the long run. The costs of solar panel installation have significantly decreased due to the expanding eco-consciousness, so this can be a truly profitable investment. Furthermore, if you install solar batteries such as Trojan batteries, as well, that are used for storing the excess solar energy, you may even stop drawing power from the grid altogether, cutting your bills down to zero.
Boost natural lighting
Did you know that each LED bulb costs only $2 to run per year? That means they can help you reduce your energy bill a lot! Plus, these new bulbs have a much longer lifespan, which additionally saves you money. Still, make sure to switch them off when not in use and use as much natural light as you can. Sunlight provides very pleasant illumination that has many beneficial effects on people and it’s completely free!
Get an energy monitor
If you want to see just how much energy you’re using, get an energy monitor. These little gadgets will show you your energy consumption, where you’re losing money and where to cut back!
Use air for drying
Do you have a habit of using the drying cycle on your dishwasher? Well, stop! Simply open the doors and let the air do its magic, especially if you often turn your dishwasher in the evening. By leaving the doors open during the night, you’ll wake up to completely dry dishes for free! You can also air dry your laundry when it’s warm and sunny outside. However, if you need to use the dryer, make sure to regularly clean the dryer lint filter to keep the appliance in top shape!
These handy little energy tips will certainly help you reduce your bills and save up some extra money for even more energy-efficient home improvements!
