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For millions of people, keeping warm and maintaining our houses without going bankrupt is an increasing concern. As winter approaches, gas supplies to a big portion of Europe are in jeopardy due to the crisis in Ukraine and the rising cost of energy. All of this results in increased household expenses.
Four people live in the typical home, which today uses 13 technological appliances (including TVs and laptops). According to the Energy Consumption in the UK (ECUK) 2017 study, that is a significant increase from 1990, when only four appliances were generally used.
But even though we have more appliances, we still use about the same amount of energy as we did 20 years ago, indicating that throughout time, our technology has improved in terms of energy efficiency. You can still take a variety of steps to cut back on your energy use and save money.
Ways to save money on energy bills
Install a dimmer
According to the US Department of Energy, dimming your lights lowers its wattage and output, which contributes to energy conservation. Some dimmer switches, like the Lutron Casita In-Wall Wireless Smart Lighting Kit, can be controlled by an app, allowing you even more flexibility to change your lights and conserve electricity from anywhere you are.
Be mindful of your electric devices
Instead of turning them off gradually, leaving your electric appliances on standby gradually increases your energy use. Consider connecting your remote-controlled electronics to a smart power strip as an alternative. Then, all of the inactive devices will be automatically turned off by the smart power strip.
Change how you do your laundry
Keep your fridge cool, but not too cool
Your refrigerator and freezer use more energy the colder they are. Set your freezer to about -0.4°F (-18°C) and your refrigerator to a temperature between 35°F (1.5°C) and 37°F (3°C). By doing this, you not only keep your food fresh but also use less electricity overall.
Draught-proof windows and doors
You will lose some heat through draughts around doors and windows, gaps in the floor, or the chimney, unless your house is quite new.
Professional draught-proofing of windows, doors, and plugging of cracks in flooring and skirting boards can cost roughly £225, but it can save up to £125 (£100 in Northern Ireland) a year on energy costs. DIY draught-proofing is frequently less expensive.
Swap your bath for a shower
Even though some of us like to take long baths, switching just one bath per week for a 4-minute shower could result in a £20 (£19 in NI) annual energy bill savings.
Final Words
That’s it with our article on how to save money on energy bills. You can make a few adjustments around the house to lower your typical electricity usage. This can involve upgrading outdated appliances, using more energy-efficient tools and appliances, such as energy-saving lightbulbs and A+++ rated dishwashers, and preventing power waste by turning off unused items at the outlet.