Winter is coming to a close, so do you really still need the heater on during the middle of the day? Gone out for lunch and left the TV on standby? Asking yourself these simple questions will keep your electricity bill from rocketing through the roof. Follow these simple steps to reduce your electricity bill and your stress levels!
by Anna McDougall, Money Maven
1. Turn Off The Lights
Serious no-brainer, if you’re not using the room, turn off the lamps. For extra ambience, there’s no reason why you can’t take advantage of the divine ranges of scented candles out there. Even a small candle can provide enough light for just using the toilet. Just remember to blow them out before you go to bed! You can easily scrap at least $20 off your monthly electricity bill by using energy efficient light bulbs. And don’t forget good old natural lighting, lift the blinds and open the curtains during the day.
2. Electronics
if you want to be savvy about your electricty bills, invest in double adapters and more effectively, power strips are a great investment. If there’s a web of cords behind your computer desk or entertainment unit, link them all up to a power strip for convenince and electricity bill strategy! Just one flick of the switch will turn all your appliances off overnight and you won’t be subject to those pesky stand by lights which most televisions, video games, and modems have.
3. Appliances
Hair straightener left on in the bathroom, coffee maker plugged in in the kitchen and clothes dryer tumbling in the background – and you wonder why your bill is climbing? Simply unplug all appliances when not in use and if it’s a gorgeous sunny day ouside wash your clothes in cold water and hang them out to dry. You can also turn off the heated dry setting on the dishwasher and wash the dishes Snow White style. Washing dishes by hand takes some time, but can save money.
4. Read Your Meter
It’s no secret that some electric companies will average your usage. Keeping up with the meter readings will allow for contesting the bill if it’s incorrect. this will also take a lot of the guess work out what your bill will come to at the end of each month/ quarter/ year.
5. Peak Times
Not just for water usage, some electric companies have peak times for electric use. Find out what your local electric company considers peak times and wash clothes and run the dishwasher during the off peak hours.
6. Heating Up
If heating up the house is your main concern, apart from throwing on a few extra layers, making a hot cocoa or even investing in a Snuggie, for drafty doors, install seals around the facing. Place towels at the bottom of the doors to keep in the heat. Click here for more tips on how to keep warm for less.
7. Switch it Up
Get the most of you electricity usage by shopping around for a supplier and plan that will suit you and your family’s situation.
For example the average family may spend about $4000 a year on electricity alone, but great websites such as switchwise.com.au can suggest an appropriate plan and supplier that can slash up to $400 off your electricity bill. Simply fill in your location and what you usually spend to find your peak usage and deals to suit this.
Not only will you be able to save money when you switch to a more appropriate plan, but you’ll be able to take control of your household budget, simplify your life by choosing one supplier for both your electricity and gas needs and reduce your carbon footprint by switching to GreenPower or renewable energy products.
It is a good idea to note the fees that can be incurred when switching suppliers. Check your contract with your current supplier to ensure you are aware of any fees and charges that might apply for transferring your gas and electricity accounts to a new provider. For new home buyers check for disconnection and re-connection fees and be prepared when you commit to fix term contracts.
Check out deals from:
Enerygywatch.com.au will also give you a fast quote for a better electrical supplier.
