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We all want to save. The easiest way to do that isn’t just buying cheaper. It starts with reducing your energy consumption at home. Here are seven practical tips you can start using right now.
One of the downsides to staying at home all the time due to the pandemic is you’ll probably see a spike in your power bill. But don’t worry, just by following these 7 practical life hacks, you’ll be seeing a significant reduction to your energy consumption by the next billing cycle.
Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
All homeowners, and basically anyone who pays their own power bill, should know all about some kind of secret charge that comes with keeping your appliances plugged in all the time.
These are called phantom charges. Phantom charges are caused by appliances that keep using electricity even when they are not in use. These appliances include phones, laptops, computers, printers, and DVRs. The additional amount added to your power bill incurred by phantom charges might not be big, but if you’re really looking to cut down your power consumption and costs, then you should keep this in mind.
However, you might think it’s too much of a hassle to continuously unplug your appliances on a daily basis. Invest in an energy-saving power strip that connects to a single outlet to solve this problem. To prevent power from trickling through your other devices, you can simply turn it off or unplug the power strip. It is also possible to switch electricity providers in your state to one that is more affordable and offers a better energy plan.
Replace Old Appliances
At first, this might sound counterproductive, given the fact that you are probably looking to cut down on costs. But in the long run, new appliances are known to be more energy efficient than your 30-year-old fridge or that hand-me-down washing machine from your aunt.
So if you really want to cut costs, invest in better appliances that will save you money in the long run. Among such devices include energy-saving AC units, inverter freezers, and dishwashers.
If you’re confused about what kinds of appliances to buy, just look for an ENERGY STAR certification on appliances you wish to buy. Fair warning though, save for the appliance first before replacing your old ones, especially if you have to incur debt just to get one. That would indeed be counterproductive.
Do Not Overuse and Overwork Your Fridge
Admit it. Your fridge is probably the most overworked appliance at home. You can’t really unplug your fridge because all your food will go to waste within a day. However, there are a few things you can do to efficiently use your fridge.
First, make sure to keep it closed when not in use. Don’t leave your fridge door hanging because it will exert more effort to keep all your food and other items cool inside.
Second, try not to fill it up to capacity, for the very same reason. If your fridge is overstuffed, it will have to work harder to keep everything at the right temperature
Air Dry Your Dishes and Your Laundry Whenever Possible
The best dryer for your dishes is actually air. If you’re not going to use the plates immediately after washing, then there is no need for you to use the “heat dry” feature on your dishwasher. Better yet, you should hand wash your dishes, too! It might be a chore but it’s a home workout in itself.
The same thing applies to your laundry. If the sun is out, there is no need for you to use a dryer after washing your clothes. Hang it on a clothesline in your backyard or hang clothes by the window and allow them to dry in a more natural and energy-efficient way.
Always Wash Full Loads of Laundry
Here’s another practical tip for washing your clothes: always wash in full loads. Why? Well, it will limit the use of your washing machine in a period of time. Your machine will exert the same effort to wash just two pairs of shirts and a full load, so it’s really better to wait it out.
If you really need to wash a particular article of clothing for a special event or occasion, you should consider washing that piece of clothing by hand or taking it to the dry cleaner.
Turn Down the Thermostat Before Sleeping at Night
Aside from giving us better sleep at night, did you know that keeping your house cool benefits your appliances, too? That’s because keeping the machines at a certain temperature uses up more energy. So when you turn the thermostat a little lower, it will be easier for your machines to literally keep their cool!
Use Solar Energy
If you can’t seem to avoid consuming large amounts of energy at home, the next best thing is to address the high costs of your power bill. One easy and affordable way to do this is to use solar energy. And not just by installing solar panels on your rooftops.
You can actually enjoy the perks of using solar energy by getting an instant solar subscription in your community. Through these kinds of community solar programs, you are assured of clean and cheaper energy for your personal use.
At the end of the day, how much energy you consume depends on how many devices you’re actually using at home. You might be consuming more energy nowadays, especially with the remote work set up… and that’s completely fine. Just make sure to apply these practical tips to at least shave off a few dollars on your power bill.
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