It’s important, now more than ever, to save on electricity at home and reduce our power bills. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide on how to save electricity – from easy switches like turning standby off to introducing modern technology to your smart home.
1. Switch to LED bulbs
One of the easiest electricity-saving tips is to make the easy switch to LED bulbs.
LED bulbs use less power than traditional lights and they give off more light while they’re at it! They can cost a little bit more to purchase them to begin with, but you’ll more than make up for it in your savings.
If you want to make your home a smart home, you can look into smart bulbs that can sync with your phone to adjust the colour of the bulb to whatever you like – mood lighting is just a tap away.
2. Use a smart board
We all have a lot of appliances. We know what a precious resource power outlets are, so most of us end up using power boards. The thing is, we’re hardly ever using all of the appliances that are plugged into the same power board at the same time, especially in the kitchen (it’s rare to toast something and use the blender at the same time).
A smart power board can sense when an appliance is in standby mode and it will stop sending power to the appliance, saving your power bill. This is another tip that comes with an initial cost, but it has long-term benefits.
3. Turn things off when you’re not using them
Lights and appliances that are left on in the night are known as ‘vampire appliances’ because they’re sucking away your energy while you sleep at night.
Turn off all non-essential power users before you go to bed. Or, better yet, turn them off whenever they’re not in use. Consider Earth Hour Day – the things we turn off when we celebrate Earth Hour are things we can survive without, so turn them off whenever they’re not strictly needed. The lights don’t need to be on in the bathroom when no one is in there.
Vampire appliances are one of the first things you should cut out when considering how to reduce an electricity bill.
4. Replace older, less efficient appliances
So by now you only have your appliances using power when you need them, but they’re still using more power than they need. Older products are less efficient and use more power than they need to. Check the energy ratings for your appliances and see if any are ready to be replaced with more efficient versions if you’re looking at how to save electricity at home.
If you need to complete renovations or upgrade appliances to save money in the long-term, consider a short-term loan to achieve your goals.
5. Air dry your washing
Of all the household appliances that use power, a clothes dryer is one of the worst offenders, and on a warm day, you don’t even need it! Clothes dryers use a lot of energy as they need to spin and produce heat to properly dry your clothes.
A clothes line strung up in the backyard, on a balcony, or in front of a window (if you live in a small space without an outdoor area), will do the job just as well and won’t cost you a thing. It’s one of the easiest ways to save electricity at home.
As an added bonus, UV light is a great disinfectant and will kill any germs you might have left on your clothes. That means you can rely less on higher temperatures when washing your clothes too, to save even more power.
6. Optimise your appliance usage
If you use a dishwasher, a washing machine, a clothes dryer, or any large appliance, make sure you do a complete load every time. You’ll end up costing yourself more when the power bill comes in if you run your appliances when they’re not completely full. It might mean waiting a little bit longer for your favourite top or mug to be clean and usable again, but it’s worth it when considering how to save electricity.
7. Insulate your home
Another option that will have up-front costs but long-term savings is home insulation. It can make a massive difference on your power bill.
Insulation is also one of the best ways to save electricity without you having to do anything yourself – the insulation does it for you. If you can’t afford insulation right now or maybe you rent your home, invest instead in high-quality curtains and draught stoppers for your doors. This will help to stop warm air from escaping or cool air from dispersing out.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that Cigno Loans’ articles do not replace advice from an accountant or financial advisor. All information provided is intended to be used as a guide only, as it does not take into account your personal financial situation or needs. If you require assistance, it is recommended that you consult a licensed financial or tax advisor.