The price of electricity is skyrocketing, and it’s only going to get worse. As the world becomes more connected, this trend will only continue. How can you reduce your electricity costs? This blog post will explore some ways that may be able to help.
Switch your light bulbs to LED
One of the easiest ways to reduce your electricity bill is by switching out older light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones. LED lighting uses only one-fifth of the energy that traditional incandescent lights use, so you can save big with this relatively simple change. If you want to save on business energy as well, then this would also prove to be beneficial. With an average lifespan of 20 years, LED lights also offer the added benefit of lasting much longer than other types of bulbs.
Reduce consumption by turning off lights when not in use
As much as possible, try to avoid leaving lights on when you’re not using them. Leaving your lights on can cost you a lot of money over time, so it’s best to turn off the light if nobody is going to be in that room for an extended period. You will save more by turning off all incandescent and halogen bulbs throughout the house. These types of bulbs are the most energy-intensive.
Use a power strip to turn off all electrical devices at once
There is also the option for you to use a power strip if you need to turn off all electronic devices at once. Sometimes, it can be easy for people to forget that they left the TV on or that their cell phone is still charging when they’re not around. However, with a power strip, you can easily switch everything off in one go and save energy as well. Also, make sure to unplug appliances while they are not in use, as they will continue to use electricity even when not in operation.
Shift to energy-efficient appliances
Another way you can reduce electricity costs is by purchasing more energy-efficient appliances for the home. Over time, these will pay off in big ways with what you save on your utility bills each month. As of 2016, an estimated 75% of households have at least one Energy Star-certified appliance. This means that there are now more than 400 Energy Star models available for you to choose from, so you should be able to find an appliance for your home that is both energy efficient and within your budget.
When you do switch to more energy-efficient appliances, be sure to keep track of your new energy use so that you can see how much money you are saving. It’s best if these appliances have the built-in capability for tracking this information, but there is also a way around it. You could always manually input the data into an Excel spreadsheet or any other software program and do manual calculations every month to see how much you’re saving.
Use a programmable thermostat
To keep your home comfortable without wasting electricity on heating or cooling when nobody is there, you can use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature of your home. This will save you a lot on energy costs, especially if you have an older heating and cooling system that is not very efficient. This will also allow you to save money by keeping your home at a comfortable temperature and ensure that when you’re not around, the temperature is automatically adjusted.
Install solar panels for renewable power that’s cheaper than what you’re paying now
There is also the option for you to install solar panels that will provide you with affordable, renewable power. Solar energy is cheaper than what you’re paying now for electricity because there are no transmission costs associated with the use of this type of source. Because some people may not be able to afford to install these systems on their own, they can also benefit from new financing plans and payback programs available today.
Get an energy audit to find out where you can make the most savings
Finally, you can also contact your local utility provider to perform an energy audit. This is where they come in and analyze the home for any possible areas of improvement that you may not have considered before. They will provide a detailed report with their findings, which can help you see how much money you could save on electricity costs if specific changes were implemented around the house.
Although it is not always easy to make the switch to more eco-friendly practices, there are many simple steps you can take at home. Some things that may be worth considering include switching your light bulbs to LED, replacing old inefficient appliances with energy-saving ones, and installing solar panels for renewable power. It doesn’t even have to cost a lot of money, either. By making small changes like turning off electronics when they’re not in use or using a programmable thermostat, you could save hundreds on electricity bills each year.
I’m is an owner of Venostech.com, blogger, Android and technology enthusiast. Individual who are educated in the IT and like to write according my scope.