In a market that is continuously fluctuating and experiencing highs and lows, staying on top of your energy usage is important. With your energy bill accounting for such a significant portion of your monthly expenses, it’s worth taking measures to reduce it. There are various ways in which you can reduce your energy usage and cut back on those costs. The first step is knowing where your energy is going. From there, you can take the necessary steps to reduce that usage. Some simple changes can have a big impact on reducing your monthly utility bills – here are some tips.
Change your light bulbs
When it comes to energy usage, the difference between incandescent and LED bulbs is huge. While an incandescent light bulb will use around 100 watts when switched on, an LED bulb will use around 9 watts. That may not seem like a lot, but over the course of a year, you could save around £100 by switching to LED bulbs. The upfront cost of switching is low – you can find decent incandescent and LED light bulbs for around £5 each. You can select from a wide range of bulbs – you don’t have to settle for boring-looking bulbs. You can find bulbs that are perfect for highlighting certain areas of your home, or for general use in the living room or kitchen.
Turn off appliances when not in use
While this may seem like an obvious tip, it is important nonetheless. You should be turning off appliances such as the coffee maker, toaster, microwave, and hair dryer when you are not using them. Not only does this save you electricity, but it also extends the life of your appliances. Some appliances, such as your fridge, perform better when left on 24/7. There are easy ways to remember when to turn off appliances. You can place a sticky note on your microwave or toaster to remind you to turn them off when not in use. You can also program appliances, like your coffee maker, to turn off after a set amount of time.
Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat is designed to save you money on heating and cooling costs. It is an easy way to save money on your energy bills without having to make major changes to your life. You can set the thermostat to adjust according to your schedule. It’s easy to program the thermostat to keep your home warmer or cooler when you’re not home. It’s also easy to program the thermostat to increase or decrease the temperature gradually during certain times of the day or night. You can set it to warm up the house before you wake up, or cool down the house before you go to bed.
Install solar panels
Solar panels are a great way to reduce your energy bills and help the planet. They work by converting sunlight into energy that can then be used to power your home. It’s important to note that they are an investment that will take some time to pay off. Depending on the size and quality of the solar panel system you install, it could take between three and seven years to earn back the cost of the system. Once they are paid off, they will generate free electricity for the life of the system.
Lock-in to a fixed rate plan
If you are looking to lower your energy bills, it’s important to know when the best time is to switch to a different energy plan. Many energy companies offer fixed rate plans that will lock-in your rate for a set amount of time. This means that the rate you pay for your energy will not fluctuate, which is important if you have a budget in mind. You can use a comparison website to find the best rates available in your area. When you are ready to switch, you can use information from the comparison site to help you navigate the process.
Before you sign up for a fixed rate plan, make sure you understand any fees associated with the plan. Be sure to consider all costs when deciding on a plan. It is important to monitor your energy usage to ensure you are getting the best deal possible.
Infographic Provided By Solar Panel Installation Virginia Company, Sunburst Solar
Conclusion
Energy is something we need in our daily lives, but it can be easy to overuse. By following these tips, you can reduce your energy usage and lower your monthly energy bills. From switching light bulbs to installing solar panels, there are many ways to save energy. By taking these steps, you’ll reduce your energy usage and lower your monthly bills.
PS Off Grid Living
And if you want to go the whole hog and live ‘off grid’ then please do have a look at:- https://www.dragonsbreathsolar.co.uk/product/diy-off-grid-solar-system-kits/
