Have you ever stared at your electric bill in utter dismay? Why on earth is it so high this month?
Unfortunately, with the cost of energy on the rise, this question may become all too common.
The good news is there are various ways you can reduce your usage and bring down the electric bill — sometimes without even changing up your habits too much.
Let’s look at a few ways to slash that electric bill here!
Reduce Heating and Cooling Energy Usage
Heating and cooling account for nearly 40% of the average Australian household’s energy bill. With that in mind, it makes sense to look at reducing heat loss in your home as much as possible. Here are a couple of ways to do that.
Look at Your Insulation
Quality insulation does a lot to reduce unnecessary energy use by keeping the heat where it should be.
Close the Drapes
The windows are the weak point where most of the heat transfer between your home and the great outdoors takes place. Closing the drapes against the summer sun helps to keep the house cooler. Conversely, closing the drapes at night in the winter helps retain the heat indoors as temperatures drop outside.
Check Your Thermostat
For every one degree higher or lower (depending on whether you’re heating or cooling) your electricity usage jumps between 5% and 10%. Set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature, but don’t get too extreme.
A good temp for the AC is between 24°C and 26°C. For heating, try setting it between 18°C and 20°C.
Replace Your Light Fixtures
Modern LED lights use so little energy that it almost doesn’t matter whether you remember to turn them off when you’re not using them. If you don’t already have LED lights in your home, it makes sense to make the upgrade.
Unsure how to replace your light fixtures? Call an electrician to help you out!
Save on Hot Water
Heating water is the next largest chunk of energy usage in the average home. It typically accounts for about 23% of the electric bill.
There are many ways to cut down on hot water usage including:
- Limiting baths and opt for a quick shower instead
- Installing low-flow showerheads to cut the flow rate by about half
- Washing most clothes in cold water instead of hot (it’s better for your clothes anyway)
- Running the dishwasher only when full
- Putting your hot water tank on a timer so it only runs during off-peak hours
Many of these methods work well because you don’t have to change your lifestyle or habits, just set it and forget it.
Enjoy a More Reasonable Electric Bill
Say goodbye to sky-high electricity bills when you follow these easy tips. You still may not get much joy out of paying your electric bill each month, but at least it’s a bit less painful.