We’ve all heard our parents say to “turn off the lights after leaving a room,” and they’re not wrong, but here are more DIY ways you can make a difference to reduce your electricity bills.
For most households, electricity bills are one of the biggest expenses each month. With rising utility costs, homeowners are searching for ways to reduce their monthly expenses. Fortunately, there are a multitude of easy and cost-effective ways to cut down on your electric bills.
This blog post will provide simple, actionable tips to help you and your family save money on your electricity bills. By utilising some strategies outlined in this post, you can reduce your electricity bills substantially.
Whether you’re looking to make a slight change or make large energy-saving investments, there are many great options to choose from. We’ll cover everything from simple DIY tricks to more substantial upgrades.
With a few simple tweaks, you can start saving money on your electric bills today.
1. Install a programmable thermostat
One of the simplest and most effective ways to save on electric bills is to install a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature of your home to be the optimum temperature for when you’re home and when you’re away.
You can also set a timer for when your heating and cooling systems turn on and off. By setting the temperature when you’re away, you can save money by avoiding needlessly heating or cooling your home when you’re not there. A programmable thermostat can save you up to 10 percent on your energy bill.
2. Install energy-efficient light bulbs
One of the easiest ways to save on electricity bills is to install energy-efficient light bulbs. These light bulbs use less energy than traditional bulbs, meaning that you can save money on your electricity bill while still getting the same amount of light. They also last much longer than traditional bulbs, so you won’t have to worry about replacing them as often. Not only can they save you money, but they can also help reduce your carbon footprint.
3. Install dimmer switches
While you’re busy installing new light bulbs, consider adding dimmer switches to your home. Dimmer switches give you the ability to adjust the amount of light you need in a room, allowing you to save energy without sacrificing brightness.
With a dimmer switch, you can reduce the amount of power needed to light a room, resulting in lower electricity bills. By making this minor change, you can enjoy the light you need while saving money on your electric bills.
4. Make your home airtight
Walk around your home and find any “weak areas” that may let in cool or hot air. Sealing off drafts or holes in your home prevents the loss of conditioned air, reducing energy costs.
Start by sealing cracks around windows and doors, and checking the insulation in your attic and walls. You can also install weatherstripping around windows and doors, or invest in energy-efficient window treatments or door sweeps. These minor changes can help cut your energy bills significantly.
5. Upgrade appliances
Replacing your appliances can be a significant cost in the short term but in the long term it can save you a lot of money on your electricity bills. Energy-efficient appliances use less energy than standard appliances and can help reduce your electric bill and your carbon footprint. .
6. Take shorter showers
A five-minute shower uses approximately one-third less water than a ten-minute shower. Not to mention that this water needs to be heated and heating water can be expensive.
Taking shorter showers can help save on your electric bill. Showers are one of the most common sources of water-related energy use in a home, so reducing the length of your showers is an easy way to make a difference. Try setting a timer when you get in the shower so you’re aware of how long you’re spending in there. Aim for five minutes or fewer to save significant amounts of electricity and money. When you cut back on your hot water usage, you’ll not only save on your water bill, but you’ll also save on your electricity (or gas) bill.
7. Use energy-saving power strips
One of the easiest ways to reduce electric bills is to use energy-saving power strips. These strips are designed to automatically shut off power to gadgets and appliances that are not being used. For example, if you have a computer, printer, and other peripherals plugged into a single power strip, the strip will sense when the computer is turned off and switch off power to the rest of the devices. This prevents them from drawing energy while they are not in use. Energy-saving power strips are inexpensive, easy to use, and can save a considerable amount of money on electricity bills.
8. Utilise natural light
One of the simplest (and free) ways to save on your electric bill is to take advantage of natural light. Using natural light during the day, when possible, is an easy and effective way to save money. Installing skylights and larger windows can help bring in more natural light during the day, while still providing privacy. Keeping your curtains and blinds open during the day and closed at night can also help to reduce your electricity consumption.
Monitoring Your Usage and Spending
Sometimes just a few changes can make a substantial difference in both usage and what you pay each month for electricity, which will certainly help your bank account. However, if you’ve made some adjustments and/or upgrades mentioned above and are still receiving a monthly electric bill that is too high, it may be time to call in a professional.
Conclusion
There are many simple ways to reduce your energy costs and be more efficient with your energy usage. From using LED lightbulbs to insulating your walls, there are several steps you can take to reduce your electric bill. Investing in energy-efficient appliances and utilising natural sources of light can also help you save money in the long run. By being mindful of your energy consumption, you can save money while being more sustainable.
Here at ITD Electrical, we can identify electrical problems that may contribute to a higher monthly bill, and offer some solutions. To get started, call us on 01622 278106 or send us a message by clicking on this link here.