Recently, there’s been a lot of discussion about energy costs. These prices have been steadily increasing for a while now, and it appears that the rates will continue to rise. One estimate shows that the rates are expected to increase by more than 37% over the next few years. How is this going to impact the typical household? In a nutshell, it’s likely that your monthly utility bills are going to rise.
If you’re able to reduce the amount of energy your household consumes, your bills will decrease. By making a few small changes, you can reduce your energy usage and save quite a bit of cash. You’ll also be able to reduce your carbon footprint. These energy-saving suggestions should be a big help.
1. Find The Best Energy Plans
What are you currently spending per kilowatt-hour? There’s a chance that there are cheaper options out there. Contact different energy companies to see if there are more affordable options. You can do this online also on any comparison site. Look for a deal that suits your household’s needs instead of getting swept up by promises of vouchers or special gifts. You can compare energy rates and select one that suits your needs better. If you live in Pennsylvania for example, you may compare electricity rates in PA and choose the one most compatible with your budget among the most competitive rates in the market.
Josco energy rates are very competitive and worthy considering.
2. See Which Appliances Are Consuming A Lot Of Energy
It’s likely that some of the appliances in your household are guzzling power. Using these appliances might be contributing to your high energy bills. If you switch over to appliances that are energy-efficient, you should be able to reduce your costs.
One easy way to reduce your energy consumption is to replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light globes, also known as CFL globes.
If your appliances are near the end of their lifespan, you should replace them with new appliances that have energy-saving features. Keep an eye out for the Energy Rating label when you’re selecting appliances. The higher the star rating is, the more efficient the appliance will be. Certain appliances tend to consume a lot of electricity, such as washers and dryers, microwaves, refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, plasma TVs, and vacuums.
You can cut back on your energy usage by switching off lights when you leave a room, and only turning on light sources when you need them. You don’t need to have lots of light when you watch TV! You can improve the efficiency of a fridge if you clean door seals and repair the appliance as needed. Instead of using your tumble dryer, hang your laundry on a clothesline to dry when the weather allows. When you do use your dryer, make sure you clean off the lint screen to improve the appliance efficiency. Don’t use your heating system or AC unit unless you have to.
3. Electric Hot Water
Some estimates show that electric hot water is responsible for a third of a household’s power usage in a year. If you’re currently using a single-rate tariff system, you may want to try an off-peak electric system that is hard-wired. It’s also wise to adjust the temperature on your thermostat. Even a 5-degree reduction can cut down on the amount of electricity you use! You should have a professional adjust your thermostat as needed. According to health experts, you’ll want to keep the thermostat set at least 60 degrees Celsius to avoid a build-up of bacteria.
4. Transition To Heating Systems That Use Solar Power Or Natural Gas
You should think about switching over to a heating system that runs on green energy, natural gas or solar power. It doesn’t cost much to run natural gas, and the carbon emissions are less than they would be with coal. You should check to see if natural gas is an option if your area and if your home is eligible.
Another option is to try using solar energy instead of electricity that’s powered by gas or coal. You can mount solar panels on your roof, which can convert energy from the sun into electricity. Installing solar panels can cost a pretty penny upfront, but it’s a highly efficient energy source. In the long-term, it could wind up saving you a lot of money. There have been impressive new developments in solar power, such as solar hydronic systems that can convert water into radiant heat after it’s been heated.
5. Correcting Small Habits Can Make A Big Difference
It’s likely that there are a lot of bad habits you have that are causing you to waste electricity. For example, if you’re leaving appliances like your TV, computer, or stereo on standby mode, they’re still using energy. You may want to unplug these devices when they’re not in use. Estimates show that leaving your appliances plugged in can increase your power bill by as much as 10%. Don’t run your dishwasher until it’s full, and if possible, you should run it on the economy setting.
If you’re trying to heat up a larger room or space, make sure that the heater is the right size for the area. Don’t place it near a window; heat can be lost. Don’t heat rooms that are unoccupied. Take advantage of the natural heat from the sun by opening up your blinds and curtains when it’s light out. Leave your blinds closed after the sun sets, or when you’ve switched your heater on.
You can save a lot of energy — and a lot of money — if you look for ways to become more energy efficient. With a little bit of research, you can find new ways to reduce your costs. Little tidbits of information, like the fact that fridges and freezers consume more power when they’re empty, can help you spend less.
