“How do I reduce my electricity bill?” This is a question we hear often from our clients. We get it, opening your electricity bill is hardly anyone’s favourite time, and for some of us, it can be extremely stressful financially. Many factors influence your electricity bill, from the climate you live in, to your habits and the size of your home. So, let’s get into it – from our experience as licensed electricians, here’s how to reduce your electricity bill at home.
Switch to LED lights
Did you know halogen lights use up to 5 times more energy than LED lights? LED lights also have a longer life span, saving you money over time. All halogen lights will be banned in Australia by September 2020, so why not make the switch early? It will benefit both the environment and your bank account!
Remember: all lights are NOT compatible with LED, so you might need to swap your fittings and dimmers. Book a free on-site consultation with us to find out what your options are when it comes to LED lighting installation.
Try use appliances in off-peak times
It’s worth knowing the details of your electricity plan because you might get a lower rate at off-peak usage times. Off-peak is the time when most homes aren’t using their appliances, typically mid-day or late at night. If possible, try time your laundry and dishwashing machine rounds for off-peak times.
Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
Appliances play a big part in the total energy consumption of your home. While energy-efficient appliances tend to be more expensive up front, they will save you money over time. So, next time you’re looking at getting new appliances, check out their energy rating label.
Check appliance settings
Have a look at the settings of your large appliances, such as your fridge and freezer. These appliances are switched on all the time, so adjusting the temperature up by a couple of degrees can make a big difference. Many people have their fridges and freezers at a way colder temperature than is needed for food preservation.
Switch off at the wall
When plugged in, your appliances are still using power even when they’re not in use. Turn off plugs at the wall for small appliances such as kettles, toasters, phone chargers, TVs, laptops and gaming consoles when you’re not using them.
Use fans instead of the AC
To cut down AC costs, consider getting a ceiling fan installed. Fans cost close to nothing to run and can be especially helpful in spring and autumn when full-blown AC is not needed yet. In summer, consider turning up your AC by a couple of degrees and then additionally turning on the fan to help move the air around the room.
Adjust the AC or the heater
Adjusting the temperature up or down by just 1-2 degrees can make a huge difference in your power bill. So, turn the air conditioning up by a couple of degrees in summer, and the heater down a couple of degrees in winter. The closer you are to the outside temperature, the less energy is being used.
Insulate your home
Insulating your home doesn’t just help keep your home warm in winter, it actually helps keep it cool in summer too! Insulating your home now will help cut down energy costs for years to come. Having a fully insulated home could reduce the cost of heating and cooling by as much as 40-50%!
Keep doors and windows closed
Don’t let your home heat up in the sun all day, only to have to turn the AC to a crisp 16 degrees at the end of the day! Closing curtains and blinds will keep your home cooler during the day. Moreover, when you do have the AC on, only have it on in the room you’re in. Close doors to any rooms that don’t need the AC. The less work the AC has to do, the cheaper your bill will be.
Use Eco-mode and cold wash
If your appliances have eco modes, use them as often as possible. Eco modes use lower wash and rinse temperatures, requiring less energy for heating the water. They also tend to use less water overall, thanks to a shorter wash cycle. In addition, do a cold wash whenever possible. Understandably a hot wash is needed now and again, but not all the time!
Air-dry dishes and clothes
Skipping the dryer cycle can bring huge savings in your energy bill! With plenty of sunshine in Australia, there’s really no excuse. Hang up your clothes to dry outside and pop the dishwasher door open to air dry your dishes.
Get solar
Did you know already 21% of Australian households have rooftop solar? Generating some of your own energy with solar, you’ll have to buy less from the grid. This reduces both your energy spending and your carbon footprint! Especially solar hot water systems are popular. Heating up water uses large amounts of electricity, so using solar is a great way to reduce your overall energy cost by a notable amount.
Overall, reducing your electricity bill is about investing in technology that cuts costs in the long run, but it’s also about forming new habits. Once you get used to air-drying laundry and switching off appliances at the wall, it will become second nature. Armed with these 12 tips, you should be able to reduce your electricity bill by a significant amount.
Need help with switching to more energy-efficient technology? Let’s see how we can help! Contact the team at Dawson Electric for your free on-site assessment and quotation.