Household Energy Saving Tips to Combat Big Bills

With utility bills going up and showing no signs of stabilising, conserving energy has become top of mind for many families. While bills take a big chunk out of the family budget, you can drastically reduce your electricity consumption by following a few handy tips.

Natural Ways to Keep Cool or Warm

Air conditioners and heaters are huge consumers of energy, and many people have a tendency to overuse them. Try to harness natural energy by opening blinds and capturing the sun’s warmth during the day, and closing blinds in the evening. Close rooms that don’t need heating, and place heaters away from windows and doors.

You don’t necessarily need your bedroom to be heated. A thick blanket or hot water bottle can do just as good a job. And be sure to regularly maintain your heating and cooling systems so they run as efficiently as possible. Of course, one of the most effective ways to capture the sun’s energy is to install solar panels. Matt Devitt Electrical can install solar panels in your home, so you can reap the benefits of natural energy, and save thousands on bills.

Cool Kitchen Tips

It’s very easy to use too much energy in the kitchen, but it’s also very easy to correct wasteful habits. If you have a dishwasher, make sure it’s full before you turn it on. Use the most economical, or shortest cycle. Defrost food in the fridge rather than using the microwave. If you can use a microwave instead of an oven, do so. It’s a more energy efficient way of warming food up.

Try not to pack your fridge or freezer with too much food. They run more efficiently if there is room for air to circulate. The most efficient temperature range for fridges is between three and five degrees, while freezers run most efficiently between -15 and -18 degrees. If you have additional fridges that you are not using at the moment, switch them off.

Appliances

An easy way to save energy is to switch appliances off at the power point when not in use. Appliances in standby mode still use energy. Even though standby mode only uses a small amount of energy, it adds up over time, especially if you leave appliances on standby overnight. If you have several appliances connected to a power board, you can switch them all off in one go. But be careful not to overload power outlets.

There's plenty of other energy saving tips, including:

  • Dry clothes on the clothesline, not in a dryer
  • Wash clothes in cold water
  • Use an energy efficient washing machine
  • Take shorter showers
  • Use energy efficient light bulbs
  • Use lamps and lights with lower wattage instead of ceiling lights if possible
  • Seal gaps near doors and windows to prevent draughts
  • Insulate hot water pipes

Taking some time to think about small ways to save on electricity can make a big difference in the long run.