VWB Blog Do you want to save on your energy bill but don’t know where to start? Upgrades, smart gadgets, and a few simple tricks are all you need to save money.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, minor alterations could save families $935 million each year on energy bills. And reducing energy usage can control the release of carbon emissions by 1.3 million tons.
Millions of households have not taken any initiative to reduce their energy usage. So, this is the right time for you to start lowering your costs.
You may be asking ”What changes do I need to make?” Here are 15 smart tips to save on your energy bill. Some of these tips don’t take any longer than a few minutes so that you can get started right away.
1. Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances
Replace appliances that run most often with a high energy efficiency rating. They include a washing machine, water heater, air conditioning systems, etc.
Focus on those that come with an energy-efficient certificate. The ratings range from A+++ to G.
The lowest is G, while the most energy-efficient rating is A+++. The higher the rating, the less energy the appliance uses.
For example, a dishwasher with Energy Star Label uses 3.5 gallons of water per cycle. But, older models use more than 10 gallons per cycle. So, this proves that an energy-efficient model will offer long-term savings.
2. Review Your Energy Bill
An energy audit will help you know if you’re paying the correct amount. To ensure your bill is accurate, supply your energy provider with meter readings. You can skip this part if you already have a smart meter.
Remember that energy usage rises in the summer and reduces during winter. Find cheaper deals and contact the supplier to sign up. Compare electricity and gas prices beforehand to avoid more price increases.
The good news is that most utility providers often do a home energy audit for free. They will help you identify different ways to reduce your energy bills.
3. Buy a New Boiler
Replace your boiler if you keep repairing it or if it’s more than ten years old. This will significantly lower energy bills.
There are different types of boilers, and each has its benefits. Identify one that suits your household best.
A new boiler could cost you several thousand dollars, plus installation. So, if your top priority is saving money, it makes sense to upgrade.
You could save up to $246 per year if you replaced your old G-rated boiler with a new one. Consider one with a room thermostat, thermostatic radiator valves, and programmer.
4. Replace Your Light Bulbs
Most of the electricity in homes is used for lighting. But you can use less energy and save money by using energy-saving bulbs.
According to the US Department of Energy, LED bulbs last 25% longer and use 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. That means more savings for you.
The main advantage is that they are readily available and you will not lose any light. Energy-saving bulbs last longer compared to traditional ones. Pick the best bulb that fits the size of the room and the job it’s meant to do.
5. Add Insulation
During winter, insulation is one of the main ways of bringing down your energy costs. Insulate the loft as most of the heat gets lost through the roof.
Double that glazing to prevent heat loss through the windows and doors. Insulate the walls and gaps between the skirting boards and the floor for heat retention.
It’s also important to insulate hot water pipes. It ensures that water does not take long before it becomes hot when running. This also helps prevent water wastage.
6. Replace Your Showerhead
An energy-efficient showerhead can reduce water usage by 2,700 gallons yearly. If your shower takes hot water from a hot water tank or boiler, then it’s time to make the switch. Instead, install an electric shower.
According to Energy Star, you’ll take less time to shower and save up to $145 in electricity per year. Choose a showerhead that comes with the WaterSense label. It should be certified to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria.
7. Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature
Water heaters usually have a default setting of 140 degrees. Lower it to about 120 degrees to reduce water heating costs by about 10%. When you are out of town, you can turn it to the lowest setting to help conserve energy usage.
Reducing the temperature of your water heater slows down the build-up in your pipes and tank. This will extend the life of your water heater. It also increases the efficiency of the plumbing system saving energy.
8. Take Shorter Showers
Most people enjoy hot showers. But they don’t know that they use more energy showering one minute than when they leave the lights on at home.
Showering uses a significant amount of water and energy. Reducing your shower time by 2 minutes can cut water wastage by almost 5 gallons. A shorter shower will help you save energy used in heating hot water.
Use a low-flow showerhead with a real-time tracker. It will track your water temperature and consumption. This will reduce your water consumption by 40% or more.
9. Install Central Heating Controls
Install a programmer, thermostat, and thermostatic radiator valves if you don’t have them. Use them well for energy bill savings.
Central heating controls let you set your hot water and heating to turn on and off as you want. You only heat parts of your home that need it.
Set different temperatures for different areas of your home. Keep a comfortable temperature without wasting heat.
Using one thermostat will increase your heating bills every time you turn it up. So, before turning up the heating, put on warm clothes.
10. Turn the Lights Off
Turning the lights off can help you save money and energy. You can know how much power you save per hour for each light bulb switched off.
Check the watt rating on each bulb. For example, a 60-watt bulb saves .06 kilowatt for every hour turned off.
Compare your previous electricity bill to know the amount charged per kilowatt. The amount of money and energy you save depends on where you live. It is also determined by the season or time you use your lights.
11. Use a Smart Plug
Some energy-efficient electronics and appliances may be using more electricity than you know. A smart plug is a small gadget plugged into the wall used to turn electronics on and off. When set up correctly, it uses less energy.
Even though not in use, devices that are left plugged in often draw power. Some use a lot of energy that adds to your electricity bill.
That’s why a smart plug comes in handy. It is efficient as it consumes less power saving your money.
12. Change Your Technique of Washing and Drying Clothes
Lower your energy usage by changing the degrees you use to wash clothes. If you’ve been using 40 degrees, you can lower it to 30 degrees. Check if your washing machine has a half-load option for smaller amounts of clothes.
Also, ensure that your tumble dryer is a full load every time. Heated airers are also an ideal option. They are cheaper to run and kinder to clothes.
13. Use a Fan
Ceiling fans save energy by creating a wind-chill effect. The air circulating is cooler on the body than the actual temperature. It means you can turn up your thermostat to a warmer setting, and the room will still feel cool.
When installed correctly, occupants can turn up the thermostat. Turn it up by up to 4 degrees than the actual setting without sacrificing comfort.
Set the thermostat closer to outdoor temperatures. In turn, the air conditioner will run less frequently. This reduces energy consumption saving money.
14. Adjust Your Freezer and Fridge Temperature
Set your freezer between 0 and 5 degrees and your fridge to 38 degrees. The freezer and the refrigerator will keep food fresh without working as hard. Fill up the freezer as it works more efficiently when fully packed.
But packing a fridge is a different story. Packing it too tightly is not recommended. It requires air circulation to keep foods at an even temperature.
Too warm temperature causes premature food spoilage. At the same time, too cold temperature leads to waste energy. When the refrigerator breathes, foods stay fresh for longer.
A thermostat that will help you save money in a freezer or refrigerator. Adjust the temperature setting when the seasons change.
15. Go Solar
Solar panels save energy by removing a household’s dependence on the grid. Solar power is a renewable source of energy. Consumption is often less compared to energy produced by the national grid.
Also, excess energy gets stored in a solar battery if you’re not interested in selling it to the grid. This provides full independence on the solar panel even at night.
Going solar reduces your electricity bills drastically. Or, it eliminates energy bills if you will be using it as the only energy source.
Use the Above Smart Tips to Save On Your Energy Bill
Now you know the most efficient ways to save on your energy bill. Do an energy audit to check the areas in your home that consume a lot of energy. It will be easy to identify what consumes most of the power and create an effective plan.
Finally, compare energy tariffs from several energy suppliers. At times switching tariffs may end up saving you hundreds of dollars yearly.
For more information on saving on your energy bill, check our other blog posts.