You don’t have to spend so much money on electricity during the summer. Use these tips to help you save money on electricity bills.
Many of you may assume that you spend more money on electricity during the winter than during the summer. This would make sense, as you need more heating and lighting to deal with the cold and darkness.
However, most people living in the warmer states will tell you that they spend just as much, or more, during the summer. The cost of powering an air conditioning unit alone could set you back hundreds of dollars.
You need to use electricity wisely wherever you can. These energy saving tips show you how.
Tip #1 – Use windows to regulate temperature
So many people rely on cooling systems to regulate temperatures and forget about their windows. Opening your windows on a warm night invites cool air into your home. Close your bedroom door to trap the cool air in your room.
When you wake up, shut the windows and close the blinds to trap more cool air. This ensures you won’t have to turn on the air conditioning straight away. Furthermore, use window coverings and invest in window treatments to prevent cool air from escaping your home.
Tip #2 – Use less hot water
According to the Department of the Environment and Energy, a fifth of the energy you use goes towards heating water. More economical use of hot water when washing the dishes or taking a shower could save money on electricity bills.
When washing dishes, rinse them with cool water, rather than hot. Furthermore, don’t use a dishwasher until you have a full load, and deactivate it before it hits the drying cycle. Allow your dishes to air dry to save energy. Finally, if you have a mixer tap, leave it set to cold water so it doesn’t generate hot water that stays in the pipe and cools.
Also according to the Department of the Environment and Energy, limiting shower time to four minutes saves up to $28 annually. They also state that a three-star rated showerhead conserves water as well, saving a further $230.
Tip #3 – Use your air conditioner timer
You could save money by keeping your air conditioner running on a cool night. Use the timer to turn the unit off as you sleep.
It also pays to figure out when the hottest periods of the day occur. Use the timer to activate the unit only during those periods when opening windows and trapping cool air don’t help.
Tip #4 – Insulate your home
Wall and attic insulation serve two purposes. They prevent heat from escaping during winter, and trap cool air during summer. Install both as a way to potentially save electricity.
Unfortunately, renters don’t have this option and still wonder how to save electricity. You can do some little things to insulate your property without buying attic and wall insulation. Draught-proof your doors, and install blinds on your windows to trap cool air.
Tip #5 – Check your lights
The average Australian home uses 6% of its energy to power the lights. Many spend more than they need to because they use their lights inefficiently. Furthermore, lights heat your home, indirectly causing you to spend more money on cooling.
Turn off any lights not in use, and use lamps whenever you don’t need to light an entire room. Use solar lights in your garden, as these gather solar energy during the day for use at night, thus requiring no external power source. Finally, fit your security lights with motion sensors, rather than leaving them on all night.
Tip #6 – Clean your air conditioner
Grime gets caught in your air conditioner filter over the years. If you don’t clean it out, it takes up to 15% more energy to power the unit.
Clean the filter a couple of times every year. Replace it if it’s worn out The money you save on your electricity bills may, over time, outweigh the cost of a new filter.
The final word
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you spend more on electricity during the winter. Summer burdens your bank account just as heavily.
Combine these tips to create a summer energy saving strategy. Simple actions, such as controlling your air conditioner and using fewer lights, may save you money.