The cost of powering your electronic appliances, devices, and home is paramount because everything from charging your phone as you sleep to running your air conditioner during summers can add up the amount of electricity bill.
Managing this amount is important. One way to reduce the electricity bill is by changing your behavior and paying more attention to the way you currently use electricity–no investment required. Another way of reducing the bill is by installing some upgrades, which requires you to invest some money in the projects to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Using both the methods, you can cut down on the cost easily. Ensuing is a couple of energy saving techniques that will help you lower your electricity bills–
Make the most out of the sun
During summers, sunlight coming in through the windows can heat up the home, making your air conditioner work harder to cool down the home. So, close the blinds or curtains. You can try installing tinted windows, given the main cause of your high electricity bill is the heat.
Whereas in winter, you can allow the sunlight to come in, this will warm up the home. It will reduce the cost incorporated by blowers or other electronic appliances you use to heat up your home during winters.
Unplug electronics and switch off unused items
It is a very basic understanding that you shut off all lights and electronics when you leave your home. Yet some people ignore it. They don’t believe it can cut down even the best electricity rates to a significant amount. Leaving on a printer might not seem like a big burden on electricity bill but it still saves a buck or two. Even experts say that laptops, space heaters, TVs, cables boxes and coffee makers suck up energy even when turned off.
Make a habit of unplugging all the appliances and electronics when they are not used. Power strips are less timely alternative and are easier–some even controlled by a remote.
Look for an alternative energy provider
Multiple alternative energy providers in the city allow you to shop around to see if you can find a relatively cheaper option. Kelly Bedrich of ElectricityPlans says homeowners and renters can save as much as 30% to 40% of their energy bill simply by switching to a provider that offers best electricity rates in the state. If you have multiple service providers in your area, assess their rates and find a better one.
Perform a home energy audit once in a while
Home Energy Auditors are people who have experience in assessing the power usage of your home and your past electricity bills. These professionals increase the efficiency of areas consuming a high, unnecessary amount of electricity. In fact, they can recommend good products and tips that will help you save energy. Many electric suppliers provide Home Energy Audits for free, however; you can also find a paid one if that fits your pocket.
Install rooftop solar panels
Installing solar panels on your property can eliminate most (or even all) of the amount of your electricity bill. Though the cost of buying and installing the system is high, the solar installation is still a long-term saving that can help you cut cost many times higher than relative solutions. Owning a solar panel allows you to generate your own electricity, which means you never have to pay for the electricity provided by the government. Even if you don’t want to pay the upfront cost of installation, there are other ways to finance a solar panel system like buying on the lease.
Use energy efficient products
Many of the products like power strips, bulbs, and low-flow shower heads are helpful in reducing electricity consumptions. Often we have products we use in our homes that are inefficient like conventional incandescent bulbs that even don’t have a long life. Instead, we can use LEF light bulb that consumes 75% less energy and lasts longer. Then there are low-flow shower heads, power strips, and motion sensing dimmer switches to reduce your energy usage without making any changes in your daily lifestyle or habits.
Final Note
There are a couple of electronics that you just can’t stop using such as the dryer, washer, computers, etc. Try using them during peak hours as many energy providers charge less for energy consumed during these hours. There are many other tips as well, however; in the end, it all depends on how we use them to reduce our energy usage. However, we shall not only try these tips to reduce our bill but to save energy for our future generation.
Author: Carolette Alcoran
