Whether it is the summers, winters, or any other season, energy bills can creep up unexpectedly. The last thing you want to see on your doormat is a hefty energy bill that you would have a hard time paying. Fortunately, you can follow plenty of tips to save electricity and money. In this piece, we will talk about some of the best energy-saving tips to save up on your energy bills all year round.
Use Central Heating Sparingly
As you would expect, people become very generous when it comes to heating during the winters. Some individuals even tend to crank up the heating to max, and while it can make your room incredibly warm, it also increases energy bills.
Consider keeping the thermostat around sixty degrees. You’d be surprised to learn that merely lowering the heating by a single degree can reduce costs massively. You can also minimize energy usage by using your heater’s timer. In case your bills get excessively high, consider taking some drastic steps like investing in energy-efficient boilers or heating pumps.
Rechargeable Batteries
Do you have loads of battery-powered gadgets in your house? If yes, using disposable batteries may not be a wise idea. Sure, you may feel like you are saving a lot of money, but that really is not the case. While disposable batteries can run almost any device or gadget, they lose power pretty quickly. The money you will spend on replacing these batteries will add up, and in most cases, it is a lot.
It would be better if you chose self discharged batteries along with a high-quality charger. Yes, they may increase your energy bills by a bit but it will prove to be incredibly cost-effective in the long run compared to using disposable batteries. The best thing about following this tip is that it will also terminate the chances of running out of your batteries.
Opt for Energy Efficient Appliances
If we go by averages, around 15 percent of the household energy is used because of our appliances. So, whenever you buy an appliance, pay close attention to a couple of things, and they are annual operating costs and the purchase price. In most cases, energy-efficient appliances are relatively expensive compared to other ones. However, the operating costs are significantly lower compared to traditional models.
When buying energy-efficient gadgets or appliances, consider looking for those with a label named “ENERGY STAR”. This label is essentially a federal guarantee for proving that your appliance will save electricity, especially when you compare it to standard models. That said, energy savings can differ massively based on the type of appliance you choose. For instance, clothes washers with the ENERGY STAR label consume remarkably less electricity (around 25 percent) compared to conventional washers.
Change Your Light bulbs
Believe it or not, regular incandescent light bulbs consume a lot of electricity and could very well be the reason why your energy bills are so high. Any electrician Vancouver would tell you to replace these bulbs right away and opt for electric saver alternatives. Compact fluorescent lights, halogen incandescent bulbs, and LEDs (light-emitting diode bulbs) are all tremendous alternatives as they consume 25 to 80 percent less electricity while lasting thrice as long as regular bulbs.
As we mentioned earlier, energy-efficient appliances are generally more expensive when you buy them off the shelf. However, their longer lifespan and efficient use of energy make them a cost-effective power saver solution.
Insulation Can be a GameChanger
Insulation can play a critical role in your energy bills by retaining heat throughout the winters. It can also help keep heat away from your home when the weather is hot. The recommended heat resistance levels for proper insulation generally depend on several factors like your location and climate. If you live in an area where the climate is warmer, the R-value recommended for it is lower compared to buildings in colder areas.
The amount of insulation for your house depends on the area. Your crawlspace, basement, floors, walls, and attic are the main areas worth insulating. Consider using an energy saver tool to determine the right requirements for your homes to save up on your energy bills.
Be Mindful of Your Energy Consumption Habits
While choosing energy-efficient products for your home is a good idea, you don’t need to necessarily buy them all the time. In fact, you can do plenty of other things to save power, like investing in an energy-saving device and becoming mindful of your spending habits. Something as simple as turning off your fans and lights can significantly lower your bill.
You will find plenty of other power-saving tips online, but the ones mentioned in this piece are tried and tested and arguably the best, helping you minimize your energy bills significantly.
Photo by Alexander Abero on Unsplash
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
