With winter out the way, the warmer weather may bring you hopes of smaller energy bills. That is unless you’re a big user of fans of course! But the struggle to pay lower bills is constant, and not helped by the pricing models of the energy companies themselves. With that in mind, at a time when money is tight for millions of us, Moolr took a look at ways to cut your energy bills.
Cook with smaller appliances
For many of us, we take for granted the “energy” at our disposal. We do not stop to consider what it costs us to pre-heat an oven, or do a spin cycle on a washing machine. Perhaps that needs to change. It may be more convenient to prepare meals in your large electric oven. But if you switch to smaller appliances, such as air fryers, slow cookers and steamers, you will use about 75 percent less energy. And since these appliances emit less heat, going small can lower the temperature inside your house. This reduces how hard your air conditioning works, should you have it.
Install a programmable thermostat
What’s the point of running your heating on full blast when no one’s home during the day? If your house is empty between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., be more savvy about what energy you use. Or at any point when you are not there. for example, should you go away for a vacation, ensure that you do not have any energy consumed during your absence.
Use energy when you need it. I have been guilty of wasting energy in the past many times. I have left taps running and had heating on when extra clothing around the house would have sufficed.
Be smart when washing and drying clothes
Wait until you have a full load of clothes and use cold water whenever possible. If you’re shopping for a new machine, consider a front-load washing machine. These use about 50 percent less energy and 1/3 less water. If you have a garden or outside area, dry your clothes as nature intended, as long as the weather allows you to.
Plant trees around your house
Improve the landscaping around your house with trees and bushes. When strategically placed, trees can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 50 and 30 percent, respectively. They function as windbreakers in the winter and block the sun in the summer.
Switch to LED and motion sensor lights
Yes, they are expensive. But when you factor in how long they last, LED lights eventually pay for themselves. These bulbs can burn for 50,000 hours with normal use. This is the equivalent of 20 years. They also use on average 80% less energy than a standard bulb. They also emit less heat. Add motion sensor lights to only use lighting when it is needed, and you can make further savings. Use lights when you need them and when you are active about the house. What’s more, outdoor lights with sensors are perfect for deterring intruders, as they automatically turn on if someone walks onto your property.
Think laptop
Laptop computers are not only more convenient than desktop computers; they’re also more environmentally friendly. If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new computer, consider a laptop to reduce energy consumption. A desktop computer uses about 150 watts, yet a laptop computer only uses between 15 and 25 watts. Go a step further and unplug your laptop’s power cord when you’re not charging to save additional energy. And do not do what I have done for years – leave your laptop on when not in use. Turn it off when you are not using it, or at the very least place it into sleep mode.
Go Solar
An increasingly popular option for households across the globe. Check whether your property is viable for such a scheme. The energy savings are obvious.
Take fewer baths
Most people enjoy a hot, relaxing bath. However, several baths a week can drive up energy costs. Each bath requires about 20 gallons of water, whereas a five-minute shower only uses about 7.5 gallons of water. Since it takes energy to heat water, the less water you use, the lower your energy costs.
