Follow these simple steps to minimise your energy consumption and save on your electricity costs.
The media is awash with stories about how global warming is increasing at an alarming rate and humankind is to blame for this. There is a strong emphasis on sustainable living and buildings are becoming more energy efficient to combat global warming. We can all play a part in reducing the world’s energy consumption at home, which will immediately save on your electricity bills too.
1. Look after the air conditioning.
In a hot climate the use of air conditioning can be unavoidable. Generally assumed to the main culprit in electricity bills, air conditioning clocks up a lot of units. By ensuring that the air conditioning is regularly cleaned and working in tip top order will not only provide fresher air but will also result in it being more efficient. At night use a timer too to automatically switch it off should you be waking in the morning with a bit of a chill.
2. Update old appliances.
Whilst it may seem wasteful to throw out perfectly functioning appliances and replace with shinier new models, remember the latest technologies means that new models will be more energy efficient. Plus your electricity bill will be reduced each month too. As for your old appliances, fret not as many of these can be recycled for another use.
3. Keep rooms cool naturally.
Black out curtains and blinds save from your fittings and furniture from discolouring, but they also protect from the heat of the sun. Black out liners can easily be fitted to existing curtains, and you should take advantage of their natural cool qualities to avoid having to crank up the air conditioning.
4. Use the heat.
From installing external water tanks to save you having to heat water for your shower to solar panels to generate electricity, there are a host of ways you can use the heat to your advantage. If you don’t have the room or budget for such green items, simply dry your clothes outside rather than using the dryer which clocks up the electricity at an incredible rate of knots.
5. Reduce the waters temperature.
It is a costly exercise to heat water for your shower to then cool it down with the cold mixer tap because it is too hot. By reducing the temperature from scolding hot to a temperature that suits you, will have an immediate impact on your electricity usage, not to mention the affect it has on the planet as your electricity consumption reduces.
