There’s no doubt rapidly increasing utility costs are contributing to high electricity bills. In fact, Australia has experienced a shocking rise in electricity over the last 20 years. As a result, we now have some of the most expensive electricity in the world! The good news is there are simple ways to help prevent another eye-popping power bill. So, let’s go through a few simple steps you can take right now to help reduce high electricity bills.
Unplug the Phantom Power Users
Sitting quietly in almost every room of your house is likely to be a silent sucker of electricity. These are the sneaky devices that stay plugged in even when not being used. Think about gaming consoles, TV’s, laptop power supplies, tumble dryers and washing machines. So, unplug these devices when they’re not in use and save a few dollars.
Lights and Ceiling Fans Contribute to High Electricity Bills
Of course, rooms should be sufficiently lit to be comfortable (and avoid tripping over the dog) but do you really need all those overhead lights on? Leaving them on will add up, so consider using lower wattage lamps where you need them. Also, make sure to turn the lights off when the room isn’t being used. The same goes for ceiling fans. It’s easy to imagine they keep the room cool for when you return later, but that’s not the case.
It’s Time to See the Light and Buy LED Bulbs
Switching to LED lights will save you money in the long run. In fact, they use about 80% less energy than traditional filament bulbs. Plus, they last around 25 times longer.
Insulate Your Home
Older houses, particularly wooden houses, lose heat because they aren’t usually well insulated. So, where possible, insulate the walls and roof space. In addition, fix any gaps under doors and around windows. These simple steps will vastly improve your heat retention in winter and prevent your AC from working too hard in the summer.
Set Your Hot Water Heater to Just Right
Hot water heaters can account for around 40% of your annual energy use. Therefore, it’s important to ensure you’re not wasting power by having the thermostat set too high.
