Everywhere you look the cost of living is climbing from gas to the grocery store and British Columbians are feeling the pinch. Nowadays, every dollar counts, and while some costs are difficult to cut, there are simple steps you can take to dramatically reduce your energy consumption and your electricity bill.
- Get Proactive with Your Thermostat Settings
Heating and cooling are two of the most significant energy drains in a home but you can help reduce your consumption by actively managing your thermostat settings. It’s a myth that the energy savings from turning your heat down during the day or when you’re not home will be offset by the energy it takes to bring your home back up to a comfortable temperature later.
Also Read: Why Steam Dryers are Popular in Surrey
You can save hundreds on your energy bills by turning the thermostat down a few degrees when you are not home and overnight while you’re sleeping. Don’t want to hassle of micromanaging the temperature? Programmable thermostats are available for under $50.
- Take Shorter Showers
Why not hit that snooze but an extra time or two in the morning and opt for a shorter shower instead? Next to heating and cooling your home, hot water is the most extensive use of energy in your home. If everyone in your home can reduce their shower time merely by minutes, you can save big on your heating bill.
- Be More Efficient with Your Dryer Use
Did you know it costs almost ten times as much to dry a load of laundry as it does to wash? We’re talking about cents per load yet these small costs add up fast over a year.
Consider hanging clothes to dry instead of running the dryer multiple times per week. If that’s not an option, give your dryer a checkup to ensure it’s running efficiently. Dryer repair to address issues like clogged exhaust hoses or faulty heating elements can help improve the efficiency of your dryer.
Bonus tip- throwing a dry towel in with your wet clothes can reduce drying time by as much as 10%.
- Wash in Cold Water
Showers are not the only drain on your hot water tank. Washing your clothes in warm or hot water also drives up your heating bill.
Also Read: When it is Time for Dryer Repair
To help reduce your energy consumption, save the hot wash cycle for when you need it. Invest in a good cold-water detergent, run full but not overloaded laundry loads, and use your most energy-efficient wash cycle.
- Unplug Appliances You’re Not Using
Between the coffee machine, the blender, toaster, computer monitor, and gaming system, your unused electronics are pushing up your energy consumption. Have you ever noticed how your cell phone charger is warm when you touch it? Even when not being used, these devices draw electricity, and these costs add up over time.
Whenever you can, unplug what you’re not currently using.
- Lights Out
Some people say that a new habit can be formed in as little as two weeks, and one practice everyone should get into is turning off the lights when you leave a room and leave the house. A little lightbulb might not seem like a big deal but the costs of keeping the lights on add up over the year.
Also Read: Hire A Professional For Quick And Reliable Dryer Repair In Surrey
For even more savings, switch out all your incandescent lightbulbs for LED. Not only will the LED bulbs last longer, but they will save you a bundle throughout their lifespan.
