How can you save money on electric bills?

The cost of living has shot up in the last couple of years and all of us are trying to make ends meet. Energy bills have risen significantly more than anything else and even with government intervention, many of us are struggling to pay them. Moving away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy is a good way to not only save the climate but adopting domestic renewable energy technology enables cost-savings on bills.

There are also many other ways to save money on energy bills by using a combination of energy-efficient technologies and smart choices. Some of the things that we can do are listed below:

Switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs uses less energy and the bulbs also last longer. Using energy-efficient appliances is also a great way to cut costs. When purchasing new appliances, a good habit is to look for the Energy Star label, which indicates that the appliance meets energy-efficient standards.

Most of us do not know about vampire devices, which are electronics that we leave on standby that use energy throughout the day. Unplugging such devices can save you a considerable amount of energy. Furthermore, reducing phantom loads is also very helpful in this regard. This means disconnecting chargers, gaming consoles, and other devices when they're not in use. A great way of achieving this is to use smart plugs to easily turn off multiple devices at once.

We live in a cold country so using the thermostat goes without saying but we can use the thermostat efficiently. Lowering the thermostat in the winter and raising it in the summer (or programming it to do so automatically) is very helpful in lowering energy costs. Moreover, it is good safety practice, as well as an effective cost-saving habit to ensure that your heating and cooling systems are regularly maintained and serviced annually.

One of the most important and relatively easy things you can do is to seal any heat leaks in the home, such as in doors, windows, and walls. This prevents heated or cooled air from escaping. In addition to this, it is also a good idea to properly insulate your home and install energy-efficient windows (designed to reduce heat transfer). This one-time cost will save money in the long run by maintaining a more consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for heating and cooling.

Limiting hot water usage and cooking efficiently are also great cost saving methods. For example, there is no harm in using cold water for laundry and taking shorter showers and not leaving the tap on when doing the dishes. Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads can go a long way in helping with lowering water usage and energy bills simultaneously.

Microwaves and toaster ovens use less energy, so they are good options for small cooking tasks instead of using the stove or the oven. When using the stove, match the pot size to the burner and use lids to retain heat.

Most importantly, use natural light. This not only helps to lift the moon, especially during those cold winter months but also reduces the need for artificial lighting.

Remember, saving money on electricity bills often involves a combination of small changes and larger investments. Start by implementing the easy and low-cost tips, and over time, you can consider more significant changes to further reduce your energy consumption and bills.