50 Crazy Simple Ways to Save Money On Your Electricity Bills
This is it…
50 CRAZY SIMPLE WAYS TO SAY GOODBYE TO THOSE HIGH ELECTRICITY BILLS, SAVE YOURSELF A TON OF MONEY, AND, AMAZINGLY, BE MORE ECO-FRIENDLY AT THE SAME TIME!
So are you ready for the challenge to change a few bad habits, learn some new ones and put money in your pocket? If so, read on…
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Get An Energy Audit
Many utility companies and some states offer free home energy audits to help homeowners use their energy efficiently.
These audits often result in the offer of reduced rate tariffs, grants, trial schemes, and more efficient equipment being offered to you.
For the price of a phone call, you can make some substantial savings on your energy bills.
If there is no such program in your area, don’t worry; you still have options.
This article will show you how to check your house for problems and make energy-saving changes.
I promise you; you will save money on your electricity bills if you do so.
Another option is to use Energy Stars Home Energy Yardstick to compare your home’s energy usage against homes similar to yours.
This will ultimately identify areas you need to make changes to become more efficient.
Seal The Air Leaks
Most dwellings have air bricks and ventilation grids built into them to allow the home to breathe and discourage damp. As they are providing an essential service, they should always be left alone and scrupulously maintained.
However, this is not the case for unwanted air gaps as they only waste energy and increase your energy bills. These unwanted air gaps are often located between floorboards, around windows, letterboxes, and at the base of doors.
Fun Fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, if you add up the energy flow from the leaks and cracks in an average home, it’s equivalent to leaving a window open every day of the year!
To counter this, you should fit draught excluders to the base of all your internal and external doors. Furthermore, around the home, you should also use window sealing kits and rubber weatherstrips.
For floorboards and baseboards, use foam rods plus caulk to seal the gaps. Another neat trick I use is to sand the boards down and retain the sawdust. I then mix the sawdust with Pva glue and insert this into the cracks.
This will ensure a better color match, and the gaps will then complement the boards. This is the perfect way to ensure that you fulfill the brief to live sustainably and save money!
Turn Down Your Thermostat
The U.S. Department of Energy says that lowering your thermostat setting by 7 to 10 degrees from its typical setting for eight hours a day can save you up to 10% a year on heating costs.
You can make this energy and money-saving process even easier by installing a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to set the temperature in your home to a lower level at different hours of the day and over different weeks.
This is especially useful for taking advantage of the cheaper off-peak hours and when you are not at home.
Also, don’t fit the thermostat near the front door, as any cold air entering the house will fool your heater into firing up.
Take Control Of Your Heating
Once you have sorted out your thermostat controls, it’s time to look at where you are spending your heating money.
Many people heat rooms that they rarely use, such as spare bedrooms, utility rooms, en-suites, etc.
That’s why I would suggest fitting a thermostat to every radiator. This will effectively give you full control over your heating system and its cost.
You can then turn the radiators down to a minimum in those areas that you do not use. Surprisingly it is best not to turn them completely off in winter as a little heat will prevent damp.
So a simple twist of the wrist once a year could effectively save you money on your electricity bills.
Yes, it really is that easy!
Don’t Leave The Hot Tap Running
We are talking about breaking bad habits here. We often leave hot water taps running without thinking about the money and energy we are wasting by doing so.
So it’s time to break this bad habit and create a new eco-friendly one. So here it is, and it’s easy to do…
Don’t place your household dishes under hot running water to pre-wash or clean the soap off. If you absolutely must pre-wash, just run enough water into the sink to do so.
And dads, fill the sink with hot water when you shave. A sink full of hot water will do the same job but cost significantly less in water and energy used.
Check Your Loft Insulation
One of the cheapest ways to save energy loss in the summer and winter months is to ensure that you have adequate loft insulation.
Loft insulation guidelines differ slightly from region to region, but a depth of 270mm is a good guide.
It is worth checking the depth annually as old insulation will compress over time, and the guidelines are constantly being reviewed.
Loft insulation is cheap, easy to fit, and will provide a substantial return on investment.
If your home has cavity walls, you should also consider having a professional insulate these. The cost is higher, but once again, the financial rewards far outweigh the initial outlay.
A quick way to check if your home is leaking heat is to compare your roof and windows with your neighbors during the winter months. If your roof and windows are clear of frost and snow and theirs are not, then you need to insulate.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to wait for winter, you could contact your local low carbon group or energy engineer. Simply ask them to bring a thermal imaging camera with them, as it will instantly highlight any areas of concern.
Insulate Your Walls
Another cheap way to insulate a house effectively is by putting insulating plasterboard on the inner walls of the home. This will reflect the heat into the rooms and not allow the cold outer walls to absorb and negate it.
A qualified builder could also put insulating layers directly onto the home’s outside walls if the inner areas are inaccessible.
Failing that, stick a jumper on!
Use Radiator Reflectors
This is an old oldie but still a goodie. Stick aluminum foil or reflective panels behind your radiators. The basic idea is that the foil reflects the heat into the room.
Without the foil, the heat is constantly being absorbed by the cold wall that the radiator is attached to.
Ask yourself, Do I really want to spend my money heating a wall?
Hang Thicker Curtains
Believe it or not, this does work!
Thick curtains or even blackout curtains have the ability to soak up and retain heat. This means that the sunlight will not penetrate the home in the summer months, which will keep rooms cool.
Conversely, in the winter months, the inner heat will not fall onto the cold windows and be lost through heat transference.
This is an effortless way to insulate a room that will cost you very little but will bring enormous benefits in both money and energy savings.
Plant Trees
This may seem strange when we talk about electricity; however, trees act as nature’s natural heat and cold blockers.
Think about it. Trees always offer you natural shade from the sun or relief from the cold north wind.
So start insulating your house from the outside and plant some trees. Believe me, your A/C system, heater and wallet will thank you for it.
What better way can there be to be eco-friendly and save money on your electricity bill.
Double Glazing
Not for everybody as everyone’s circumstances are different; however, this is great for energy reduction. Thanks to science, window frames and double glazing glass technology have moved on greatly since the early sixties.
It is now possible to have glass that reflects the heat from both the external sunlight and the internal fire. This, combined with improved framing and a larger vacuum gap width, means that the energy savings are substantial.
This could be one of your greatest energy and money-saving investments for the home if you can afford it.
If you currently do not have any double glazing in place, here is something you might want to consider…
By simply installing double-glazing windows throughout your house, you could reduce the heat loss by a staggering 54% to 64%.
This equates to about a 10% to 15% saving on your annual energy bills, and the windows will have a life expectancy of about 35 years.
Think Attic
The truth is that your attic plays a major part in your home’s energy performance and running costs.
As your home’s hot air rises, it is replaced with cold air from outside. It sneaks in through all those little air gaps we should have sealed. (as per point one).
If the attic insulation is too thin, the heat does not become trapped in the house but penetrates through to the attic. Once there, it continues upward and is eventually pushed out through the roof.
It is then replaced by, yes, you guessed it, cold air coming in through the gaps.
Now you have created a natural cycle of cold air constantly being heated, rising, and being ejected from the home.
So how do we stop this inefficiency?
Attic Ventilation (Fan)
An attic fan called a powered attic ventilator (PAV) could be installed, which will push the hot air back into the home.
If your home and attic are adequately sealed from the outside air, this could be a money saver.
However, if your home is not adequately sealed, then beware, as the opposite will occur.
As the fan works, it will eventually build up pressure in the home and push the warm air out through the air gaps.
The home will be warm, but the potential saving in electricity will be minimal or lost altogether.
Plus, during the summer months, the sun will heat the attic space, and the fan will push the superheated warm air into the home.
So before you shell out for a fan, consider closing those gaps and improving the roof insulation quality.
Radiant Barrier
What is a radiant barrier, I hear you ask?
Well, think of the shiny metallic cover that you see on the windscreen of a car in summer.
It has only one job; to reflect the sun’s heat away from the car’s interior. Doing so keeps the interior cool, and that is the purpose of a radiant barrier.
Now think of a radiant barrier between your attic’s inner beams and immediately behind the roofing tiles.
Add a thick layer of insulation over that, then add natural air bricks, a soffit ridge, and gable vents, and the attic is now properly insulated.
The result will be a cool house in the summer a warm house in winter with working passive ventilation.
With such non-invasive improvements, you can easily live sustainably and save money on your electricity bills for many years.
For some helpful information – Here is an article on how to air seal your attic.
Maintain Or Replace Heating Systems
Old or poorly maintained boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps are not only dangerous, but they can waste a lot of electricity. These equipment types are usually good for about ten years, but they can last long beyond that.
However, after ten years, there will be a more efficient and safer option available. So when you are ready to buy a replacement, always look for equipment that’s Energy Star qualified.
To be Energy Star qualified, it must have an energy performance among the top 25% of all similar products. In addition to this, it must also be certified by an independent third party to provide increased energy efficiency.
Switch To A Renewable Energy Supplier
You no longer need to choose an electricity supplier who only uses nuclear or fossil fuel power stations.
Electricity can now be sourced from suppliers prioritizing power generation from 100% renewable sources.
Others are Phasing in renewable power sources and will allocate you the power from these sources if you request it. (And it is possible to do so).
If you talk to your energy supplier, they may issue you with green energy or renewable energy credits. These credits can offset your carbon footprint and give you a fixed, affordable electricity rate.
Sometimes just the mere mention of your changing suppliers will prompt the energy company into offering you a cheaper tariff!
This means that just by making one phone call, you may be able to save money on your electricity bill directly.
Suppliers prioritizing power generation from 100% renewable sources are:
- NextEra Energy Resources
- Avangrid Renewables
- Invenergy
- Cypress Creek Renewables
- Acciona Energia
- ExoPlexus
- EDP Renewables North America
- Pattern Energy
- MidAmerican Energy
- Amigo Energy
Solar Panels And My Inner Demon
Personally, I’m not too fond of solar panels on homes as I am concerned about the heavy resources mined to manufacture them. Nor do I like the fact that they are largely unrecyclable.
Suffice to say; they are not for me.
However, solar is a relatively new technology and has many positives that I cannot argue with. For instance, sunlight is free, so once you have repaid the initial product and installation costs, your electricity bills will be reduced.
It is also green renewable energy which will become more efficient as technology advances. Therefore, it is for these reasons that I do promote solar products and wish to see the technology advance.
I just have a personal and ethical hangup about solar panels that I grapple with. All that being said, solar panels are an option for people to live sustainably and save money on their electricity bills.
Residential Solar Power
Sunlight is arguably the most sustainable form of power, and residential solar power systems are not as expensive as they were.
They have the potential to release you from your dependence upon the grid and can save you money on your electricity over time.
Plus, by selling your home-produced energy overflow to your electricity supplier, the system’s initial cost can be recouped.
This will hasten the time it takes for you to recoup your outlay whilst also driving down your power costs.
Install Solar Motion Detector Lights
Unless you need outside lights for all-night security, it is pointless having them on when there is nobody there to take advantage of them. Solar lights will give you enough light to see by and will still deter unwelcome visitors.
Use Solar Chargers
Solar chargers are a great money-saving source of power for your small electronics. Use them to charge your Apple products and smartphones, plus many other items you may own.
Multiple Power Sources
FosPower [2020 Upgraded Version] 4000mAh Emergency Solar Hand Crank Portable Radio, NOAA Weather Radio Power Bank USB Charger For Household/Outdoor Emergency With AM/FM, LED Flashlight And SOS Alarm
Install A Solar Water Heater
So long as you have enough daily sunlight, this might be an option for you and could save you up to $200 a year on electricity bills.
Indeed many of the newer solar heaters boast a saving of about 70% on water heating utility bills.
Solar water heaters may be expensive for you to purchase at this time, but they are occasionally eligible for government or manufacturer rebates.
If you live in a high sunlight area, then investigating solar heaters may be the right thing to do.
Install A Smart Meter
There are many ways to reduce your electricity usage, but to reduce it, you must first understand when and where you are using it. This is why I recommend getting a smart meter.
These clever little devices will track your energy usage and show you how much you are using each day. You can simply turn each appliance on/off separately to see the energy used and cost calculated.
Seeing your usage and costing like this often helps you see the difference your positive actions are making.
This, in turn, will encourage you to find new and innovative ways to live more sustainably and save money on your electricity costs.
Home Automation (Connected Devices)
Many of our energy-guzzling home appliances can now be linked via wifi and controlled through an app on our phone. These so-called “smart” appliances can do lots of wonderful things, not least of all, save you money.
You can buy “smart” lights, thermostats, fridges, cookers, and even washing machines. Some of them are even so smart that they will talk to each other and cut you out of the picture altogether!
So why program your heating when you can turn it on from your phone before you leave for home? Why turn on your lights when you can have them detect where you are and turn themselves on or off, or even dim down in your presence.
Using current technology in this way, you can really make big inroads into saving money on your electricity costs. Home automation through connected devices is here and will change the way we look at energy forever.
Buy A-Rated Appliances
It is well worth doing a bit of research and weighing up the long-term costs before buying any new appliance. Plus, consider this. A quality built, A-rated machine can last you approximately 15 years with little to no maintenance.
Furthermore, the new appliance will continually save you money by reducing your ongoing electricity costs and be more economical with the earth’s resources while doing it.
If you truly want to live sustainably, save money, and lower your electricity costs, then buying a new Energy Star, an A-rated quality appliance, should be a no-brainer.
An Energy Star clothes washer, for instance, can use up to 50% less water and electricity than a standard one. That’s a massive saving on just one wash!
Buying quality does not always mean buying expensive either. Shop around and haggle if you need to. Honestly, I do it all the time and estimate that I have saved thousands over the years.
Believe me, independents, and some chains, are happy to haggle if it means they can secure a deal!
Choose Not To Use Appliances
If it’s a nice day, the cheapest and best way to live sustainably and save money on your electricity bills is not to use your appliances at all!
Line drying your clothes is not only good for the environment, but it is actually better for your clothes too!
Don’t boil that kettle or make that expresso; choose a nice cool drink or a glass of refreshing tap water. Tap water is actually healthier than bottled.
Leave the electric car at home and walk or cycle to your destination. Again this is better for the body in both mental and physical health.
A good tip for this is to start a new healthy habit and start to think like this:
- If the journey is under two miles, walk.
- Under-five miles, cycle
- Over ten miles, car
There are many other examples of when not to use appliances, but I think you get the point. Quite often, we get into the bad habit of doing something rather than considering the alternatives or the cost.
Set Up A Yearly Maintenance Schedule
If you want your car to run at peak efficiency, you send it to the garage once a year for a service. So why don’t you do this to your electrical appliances? Just like a car, the inner workings can become clogged up over time, and they become less efficient.
Check the vents, drainage holes, filters, fans, and belts for dust and grime. The less dust you have blocking your appliances’ workings, the quieter, smoother, and cooler they will run.
You must always remember to unplug them first, though, and only get a qualified technician to look at the important stuff. However, you will be surprised at how much you can save by just doing a yearly clean of your machines.
Schedule Yearly HVAC Maintenance
Increase the life expectancy and performance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) by having it inspected and cleaned to a schedule.
Doing this will reduce breakdown costs, deliver you cleaner air, and ensure that it works at peak efficiency.
You could also set a reminder on your phone for filter inspection and replacement throughout the year. This is one of those tasks which could go unnoticed, forcing the unit to overheat and be an energy drain.
So while at first glance, this may seem like an extra expense. Ultimately it will save you money and electricity usage in the long run.
Fix That Leaky Faucet
While we are on the subject of maintenance, it’s time to fix that leak. It may not seem like much, but a leaky faucet on a hot water tap will cost you money. You are quite literally pouring money down the drain.
Don’t believe me? If you want to find out how much that leak is costing you, then the American Water Works Association has a drip calculator that you can use to find out.
Install Tap Aerators
A tap aerator is a simple little device that is easy to install and is designed to reduce water flow by up to 50% without a perceived loss of pressure. It does this by adding air into the system. Cheeky eh.
This means that you are heating less water, thereby using less energy and effectively reducing costs. Tap aerators are also easy to fit and, in most cases, only cost a few dollars. For me, that’s a quintuple win!
Bleed The Air From Your Radiators
If you touch the top section of your radiator, does it feel cooler than the bottom half?
If it does, it means that there is air trapped in the system, and your boiler is working harder and using more energy than it needs to.
That’s because your radiators work alongside your boiler, meaning you’re paying for the same amount of energy without getting the benefit of all that heat. Fortunately, it’s a swift and easy fix that can save you lots of money.
Here’s how to do it without calling out a heating engineer.
- Turn on the central heating.
- Feel all the radiators in the home
- Switch off the heating
- Find the bleed valve (top left or right corner)
- Place a rag under the bleed screw.
- Loosen the bleed screw
- Wait for the hissing to stop, and the water starts escaping.
- Re-tighten the bleed valve and clean up drips
- Turn the heating on and check the radiators.
You may need to repeat the process, but once you are happy that all the air has been drained from the system, go to the boiler.
Check that the system has enough pressure within it, normally about 12 to 15 psi. If not, top up the pressure by using the filling loop on your boiler. It looks like either a tap or a lever on the main water supply to your boiler.
Turn Off The Ice Maker
In order for your ice maker to drop the ice into the tray, it has to have a protected motor to do so. This motor has its own dedicated little heater to stop it from freezing up in a cold environment, and it is always on.
Now that may not seem like a big deal. However, that little heater increases the unit’s energy consumption by a whopping 12% to 20%! So why not just turn it off, buy an ice tray and then pocket the savings.
Consider A Power Strip (Surge Protector)
Power Strip, Bototek Surge Protector With 10 AC Outlets And 4 USB Charging
Overload Protection–surge protector with overload protection protects against spikes and fluctuations. Intelligent circuitry with built-in voltage sensing detects and responds to your device’s power needs, while safety features ensure that your devices are protected
These multi- socketed strips protect your devices from sudden power surges and are designed to trip out, so your devices don’t get nuked! However, they also provide other uses.
Firstly, they effectively clean the electric current going to your devices such as the TV, computer, VCR, and so on. Cleaning the current means that the devices are more stable in their operation and can last longer.
Secondly, All the sockets can be powered down by one switch meaning that you can save significantly on electricity costs and trim your electricity usage.
Unplug Your Devices
A power strip may turn off the other devices, but it will still be drawing power to power itself. This is true of many devices, and those left on standby are easily the most power-hungry culprits.
Did you know that items left on standby can use up to 85% of the energy that they would use if left fully switched on?
Imagine your TV doing all the things it would normally do but with no picture or sound to get an idea of this.
In the Uk, a comparison site, MoneySuperMarket.com, found that a TV box such as Sky or Virgin-Media can be a big energy drain. If these products are switched on, but the TV is switched off, they can still cost the household over £27 or $33 a year.
So you see $33 per year on just one device. Even the humble iPhone charger uses about 13 cents per year, and that’s tiny! If you really want to live sustainably and save money on your electricity costs, UNPLUG IT!
Keep The Fridge And Freezer Full
A well-stocked freezer does not have to work as hard as an empty one, so just by filling it up, you can save money over the year.
Frozen or chilled food acts as insulation and lessens the time for these appliances to return to temperature once the door has been opened.
Similarly, if you put warm or hot food into the fridge, you will also have to work harder to return to temperature. Plus, warm or hot food placed into a fridge will cause damage over time.
So save yourself the headache of a potential repair bill plus the added electricity expense and just don’t do it.
Change To Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
The light produced by an incandescent light bulb uses only 10% to 15% of the energy used to power it. The rest of the energy goes into creating heat, which you will know if you have ever been near one.
This can not only cause you a problem during the summer months by making your home uncomfortable but can be a heavy addition to your electricity costs.
Think of a hot home, with hot lights and a struggling A/C running harder trying to cool it all down. Just having the lights on is costing you more than you think.
By making the switch to LED energy-efficient light bulbs, you can significantly reduce your energy costs.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, residential LEDs — especially ENERGY STAR-rated products — use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.
Therefore, not only do energy-efficient light bulbs save in electricity costs they also last longer. This means that you can live sustainably and save money just by changing a light bulb.
This is your light bulb moment! (See what I did there.)
Install Dimmer Switches
With advancements in technology, dimmer switches now use less power than they once did.
Unlike the past, today’s dimmers can now reduce the energy consumption required by dimmable LEDs.
This means that roughly 50% brightness equates to 50% of the power used, which is 50% of the normal cost. As a bonus dimming the light will also allow the bulbs to run cooler, extending their life expectancy.
Now that’s what I call a win-win!
Always Do A Full Load Of Washing
Washing machines work to their maximum efficiency when they are washing a full load. Try to avoid washing multiple small loads as the cost of all this extra energy will build up over the year.
Why go to the trouble of buying an A+++ Energy Star rated machine and then not use it efficiently?
Use Cold Water When Washing Clothes
Turning down your washing machine’s temperature or running it cold could see your electricity costs reduced alongside other benefits.
In today’s world, advancements in materials, fabrics, and washing powders mean that washing at hotter temperatures is no longer a guarantee of effective cleaning.
Indeed some stains and creases will actually set into clothes if washed too hot.
Always follow the guidelines on the labels and consider turning the heat down. In this way, you can save money on your electricity and improve your wash simultaneously.
Line Dry
Tumble dryers have big motors, blowers, and heaters to spin and dry your clothes. This makes them a huge drain on your electricity costs. Whenever you can, take the cheaper option and choose to line dry your clothes.
The sunshine and wind are free and are will actually extend the life of your fabrics. As a bonus, the creases in your clothes will fall out, making your ironing easier. As a man, I am all about doing less!
If you use a dryer, remember to clean out the filters regularly to keep the dryer running efficiently.
Fill The Dishwasher
Just like a washing machine, your dishwasher will work at its peak efficiency when it is full. Studies have also shown that a full dishwasher is actually more energy-efficient than washing the dishes by hand.
Run it at night to take advantage of the cheaper tariffs and, if possible, cancel the hot, dry program.
The dishes will air dry with the door open just fine, so there is no need to spend money blow drying them.
Ensure that your dishwasher is Energy Star certified, though, as older models can be quite energy-intensive.
Take Advantage Of Cheaper Electricity
Many electricity providers have different tariffs for different customers and for different times of the day. It’s best practice to check your bills and speak to your energy provider to cut your costs effectively.
Once they speak to you on a one-to-one basis, they can set the right tariff to suit your circumstances. Plus, they will advise you at what times their cheaper electricity comes online.
This is usually overnight, but you need to know the start and finish times to take full advantage of them. Once you have this information, you can set your appliances to work during these hours.
You should definitely be setting your dishwasher, tumble dryer, and washing machine to wash during these off-peak electricity hours.
This will substantially reduce your electricity costs and is one of the easiest positive habit changes to make.
Lag That Tank
If your heating system has a hot water tank, you must make sure that it is protected with a thick thermal jacket. Unnecessary heat loss through a thin or damaged jacket can increase your energy consumption enormously over the year.
If you need to, invest in a new jacket whatever the cost. I promise you it will be worth it.
Boil Only What You Need
Living sustainably means using only the resources that you actually need and no more.
This is especially true with the little things, as we all know that it’s the little things that add up to a great change.
If you truly want to live sustainably, save money and reduce your electricity costs, then boiling only what you need is a great one.
By doing this, you are saving water, its processing costs, and the energy it takes to boil it.
Think of these savings with every kettle you fill and every pan you boil. This small change will add up to a large saving over the year as rapidly boiling water can be expensive.
Next time you boil a kettle, watch your electricity dial spin!
Move Your Fridge
Believe it or not, where you place your fridge can directly impact how hard it has to work and, therefore, how much energy it is using.
Ideally, your fridge should be in a cool and shady environment with plenty of ventilation.
You should also ensure that your fridge is not placed in direct sunlight or next to a heat source. Radiators, cookers, and tumble dryers will fit into this heat source category.
By doing this one simple thing, you will ensure that it runs at optimal efficiency. Furthermore, you will undoubtedly extend its lifespan and probably reduce its maintenance costs.
Consider A Toaster Oven
Using smaller versions of traditional appliances is usually cheaper, faster, and more environmentally friendly than the original large appliance.
In essence, it just comes down to using the right size product for the task at hand.
This is why a toaster oven can beat a conventional oven in the “use less electricity race.” They can heat up and cook food quicker, and if you combine it with a microwave, you get the best of both worlds.
Microwave When Possible
A microwave uses even less power than a toaster oven and is far more versatile. There are literally hundreds of things that you can cook in a microwave, and it’s certainly not for just reheating coffee!
If you haven’t got a toaster oven, then know that a microwave uses about 20% of the energy of a full-sized conventional oven.
So you can save some serious money on your electricity bills by choosing your microwave before your oven.
If you want to save money on cleaning materials and keep your microwave running efficiently, please read: How to clean a microwave – 14 exceptional methods + recipes.
Use A Pressure Cooker
Just like a microwave can speed up the cooking process and use less energy, a pressure cooker can do the same. It is estimated that a pressure cooker can reduce your cooking time by up to 70%.
This represents a serious reduction in your electricity usage and quite a saving over the year. Many websites specialize in pressure cooker recipes, so you should never get bored.
Open A Window
This might sound obvious, but sometimes the older habits are the ones that we do not see. Before you turn on that extractor fan, think about opening a window instead. No electricity used equates to no cost to you!
Put Lids On Pans
Why steam up the kitchen, extend cooking times, and use more energy when a pan lid can reduce all that for you.
Take Shorter Showers
We all know that a shower uses less water and, therefore, less energy than a bath.
But did you know that by reducing your daily shower time by just one minute, you could save over a thousand gallons of water per year?
This is calculated at the shower using up an average of 5 gallons of water a minute. Now that’s a lot of water for those who are eco-conscious amongst us.
Therefore I think that a thousand gallons are a good estimate for most households. So by taking shorter showers, you will have quickly saved on the energy costs of heating one thousand gallons of water.
Who knew that just by taking one minute less to shower that you could live a more sustainable life and save money in the process.
Install Low-Flow Showerheads
In addition to taking less time in the shower, why not reduce the flow at the same time. A low-flow showerhead can reduce the water flow to 2.5 to 3 gallons per minute.
This also means saving money on your electricity bills as less water means less heating.
Turn Down The Water Heater
Do you turn on the hot tap then cool the water with the cold one?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone, but why do we do that? Guess what it’s one of those bad habits that we no longer notice anymore.
The energy-savvy amongst us don’t do that. These people constantly keep the water at a lower temperature and only turn the water heater up in winter.
So why do they do that?
Well, they know that the common standard-setting is around 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, by adjusting it down to 120 degrees, they could save up to a massive 10% heating costs!
In Summary
So there we have it. Your guide on how to live sustainably, be eco-friendly, and save money on your electricity costs is over. Of course, there will be some things that I have missed, so maybe you could pop me an email with your suggestions.
However, as I said initially, a lot comes down to just making the right sensible, ethical, and well-thought-out deliberate choices. Plus, choosing to face up to a few unhealthy habits and dropping them for healthy ones.
So I hope that you have enjoyed the guide. Hopefully, you will have learned to recognize a few bad habits and are ready to create some new positive ones.
Habits that are sustainable, Eco-friendly, and will save you money on your electricity costs from this point on.
In Summary
So there we have it. Your guide on how to live sustainably, be eco-friendly, and save money on your electricity costs is over. Of course, there will be some things that I have missed, so maybe you could pop me an email with your suggestions.
However, as I said initially, a lot comes down to just making the right sensible, ethical, and well-thought-out deliberate choices. Plus, choosing to face up to a few unhealthy habits and dropping them for healthy ones.
So I hope that you have enjoyed the guide. Hopefully, you will have learned to recognize a few bad habits and are ready to create some new positive ones.
Habits that are sustainable, Eco-friendly, and will save you money on your electricity costs from this point on.
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