How To Save Money On Your Energy Bills

The high cost of energy leaves its ugly footprints all over your electric bill. Like petrol and food, you cannot control the unit cost of your electricity, but you can control the amount of energy you use.

The Budget Plan
Most power companies offer level billing plans to help consumers budget their bills, eg. Billdozer. Instead of paying each month for the electricity used the previous month, last year’s total usage is divided into 12 equal payments. This eliminates budget-breaking bills during high-use seasons.

Do an Energy Inventory
Electric appliances draw energy even when not in use. Hair dryers, cell phone chargers, televisions and lamps continually take in low amounts of electricity. Unplugging seldom-used devices will lower your bill.

Maintenance Saves Energy
Appliances require care and maintenance. Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer. A good, tight seal keeps the cold air in, making the appliance more efficient. Keep your hot water heater clean. Used continually, the minerals in your water collect in the bottom of the tank. Regular cleaning insures that you are heating water and not sludge. Your furnace has filters that require regular cleaning or replacement, allowing the furnace to breath.

When Should You Replace an Appliance?
Grandma gave you her old dryer, and you have been using it for years. Although some old appliances seem to last forever, they may not be efficient. New appliances have energy efficiency ratings. Although purchasing a new appliance does require a cash outlay, the savings in energy can justify the cost.

Think About How You Use Your Electricity
Your appliances, old or new, become more efficient when you plan how to use them. Ovens do not need to preheat for casseroles or roasted meats. Hot food can cool on the counter before refrigerating, making less work for the refrigerator. Opening blinds allows the sun to help warm rooms in the winter. Closing blinds in summer will block sun and heat. Read the labels on your clothing. Most fabrics do not require hot water for washing. Wash and dry full loads of clothing or dishes.

With care and planning, you can lower your electric bill. You would never pay for 20 litres of fuel when your tank only holds 15. Why pay for wasted energy?