Are you unhappy with how much you’re paying for your electricity? Then the best thing you can do is to reduce your energy consumption. Here’s why cutting back on electricity usage is a good idea, and how to go about it.
The Problem With Rising Power Costs
As we rely more and more on electricity, whether it’s to power our computers or run our air conditioning, we’re placing a huge demand on the power grid. This increased demand means we need more efficient, reliable infrastructure, and consumers invariably pick up some of the cost. Although we’re not suggesting the cost of electricity will continue to rise indefinitely, it’s definitely increasing right now, so it’s important you’re prepared.
Slash Your Electricity Costs: 8 Tips
Okay, so that’s the bad news. The better news is that you don’t need to watch your electricity bill skyrocket. Instead, you can start paying less. Here are eight ways to get started right now.
1. Insulate Your Home
Want to save up to 50% a year on energy bills? Then invest in some insulation for your property. Yes, it can be a little expensive, but it’s a worthwhile investment long-term.
But, how do you know the right insulation for your home? When choosing the proper insulation for your property, you need to consider the R-value or thermal resistance that dictates its conductive heat flow. A higher R-rating means the greater an insulation’s effectiveness.
There are many types of insulation, including blown-in insulation, insulation batts, foam board insulation, insulation rolls, and spray foam insulation. It’s important to insulate your home the right way by first choosing the right insulation type. Blown-in insulation is suitable for hard-to-reach areas, such as wall cavities and attics, requiring R-60 insulation. If you need longer insulation runs, insulation rolls are the best.
Insulation batts are made of pre-cut rock wool or fiberglass insulation sections, applicable for insulating the walls, ceilings, attics, and floors. Spray foam insulation is made of polyurethane or latex spray foam that helps seal around doors, windows, crawlspaces, and basements.
2. Switch Energy Tariffs
When was the last time you checked to see the price of electricity with another provider? If you haven’t looked at Texas electricity plans anytime recently, do some research now. You might be surprised at the rates available with other suppliers.
Electricity is deregulated in Texas and most of US. You can cut your electricity bill by shopping for an electricity plan. For example, when you compare Houston electricity rates, you can see a big difference among electricity providers. And, if you’re in a deregulated area, like Houston, Texas, you can reduce your electricity bill by cutting usage or by shopping for Houston electricity rates.
3. Change Old Lightbulbs
What would you rather spend on lightbulbs per quarter – $7 a bulb, or $35 a bulb? If it’s the former, switch out those older, less efficient bulbs for LEDs instead! LED lights consume very low wattage. They have a longer lifespan and produce less heat than traditional bulbs, making your home energy-efficient.
4. Get an Energy Monitoring System
If it’s available on your tariff, get a smart meter or energy monitoring device. You can monitor your electricity usage around the clock and identify ways to save power.
5. Turn off Your Appliances
Do you leave appliances like laptops and other devices plugged in at night? Standby mode just wastes energy, so pull out those plugs and turn devices off when you’re not using them.
6. Switch to Cold Laundry Cycles
If you find yourself washing all your laundry at high temperatures, think about this – is it really justified? Chances are, you can wash at least some loads on colder settings and reduce your electricity consumption. It takes less energy to run a cold cycle because you’re not heating the water first.
7. Conserve More Heat
Don’t underestimate the potential of simply closing doors and windows to keep the heat in! And, in the summer, before you reach for the air con, try opening the windows and doors instead.
8. Turn Down the Thermostat
Even if it’s cold outside, there’s a chance you don’t need your thermostat turned up so high. Skip the super hot showers and turn the thermostat down a degree or two instead.
Conclusion
Slash your electricity costs with just a few simple adjustments to your day-to-day energy consumption. And, if you can afford the investment, consider insulating your home so there’s even less need to rely on your heating system.
