With electricity bills soaring from time to time, you're probably looking for the most convenient ways to save energy. Relying on electronics has become our biggest habit, that it won't be easy to break. However, you can adjust your lifestyle and modify your electricity usage to save money on electricity bills. Here's how.
Switch to laptop
Desktop computers are one of the biggest electricity wasters. Unlike laptops, desktop computers require a constant power supply to work. Therefore, if you work from home, you keep the computer plugged in and on a power supply for eight hours or more. New laptops tend to charge to 100% in only an hour, allowing them to run on battery for up to eight hours. See the math? Consider swapping your dated PC for a new laptop model that will help you cut down the electricity bill and improve your work performance.
Unplug devices you don’t use
Phantom energy is often responsible for high electricity bills. Do you keep your devices plugged in even when you’re not home? Switch them off and unplug them to prevent phantom energy usage. You’ll notice in only a month that your electricity bill isn’t as high as before. Homeowners all over Australia manage to save up to $100 a year only by unplugging their microwave when they’re not using it daily.
Instal LED lights
LED lights last longer and use much less energy than standard bulbs. That’s why you should check your lighting fixtures and switch old bulbs for new LED ones. If you’re not electricity-savvy, look for a level 2 electrician Northern Beaches-wide who will assess the condition of your lighting fixtures and check if they are suitable for LED lights. Depending on how old the lamps and chandeliers are, the new bulbs may or may not be appropriate for your type of fixtures.
Rely on natural light
How lit is your home? Do you get plenty of daylight in your living room and kitchen? Or are you forced to use artificial light to see better? If your home is well lit and gets enough sunlight during the day, don’t turn on the lights until it starts to get dark outside and you’re able to see clearly. Instead of relying on lighting fixtures, consider expanding the window or decorating the room in a way that reflects more light from the outside. Task lighting will be more efficient than ambient one, so grab those LED lamps and read with their light shining over your computer or book.
Air-dry laundry
With every new gadget, we start relying more on technology. If you'd shown all the modern-day cooking and cleaning devices to your grandmothers and great grandmothers, they will probably call you lazy. In a way, they’re right. Why would you use a laundry dyer in the middle of the summer when you can hang the laundry in your backyard and let it air dry? We understand that laundry dryers are convenient when you travel a lot and don’t have time to wait for the clothes to dry, but for everyday use, leaving the clothes outside in fresh air is more cost-effective. Also, check the energy-efficiency feature on your dryer and upgrade to a newer model if your old one uses too much energy.
Use the AC wisely
Are you one of those people who turn on the Air-conditioning with the first hint of high temperatures? Have you ever considered just airing the room by opening all the windows? Closing the blinds while the sun is beaming will stop the heat from entering your home. As a result, you won't need to turn on the AC too early in the summer. When the time for AC comes, don’t be reckless but carefully use the device. Namely, if you need to go outside, don’t forget to close the door. Don’t open the windows and keep the interior sealed for as long as the AC is on. Adjust the need for the AC by using it in several short intervals rather than all day long. A ceiling fan is a cost-effective alternative to Air-Conditioning device that uses only 10% of the energy that a standard AC does while making the room cooler, up to 10 degrees F.
Final thoughts
If you're looking for ways to save electricity, our aforementioned tips will be of great help. Not only will this help you save money, but benefit the environment too. So, remember to unplug your electronic devices when you're not using them. Air dry your laundry and do your best to use as much natural light as possible. Switch to LED lights, invest in a laptop and forget about your old PC that used up so much precious energy. Your budget and the environment will be grateful.
