This post is sponsored by Amaysim
Bills are one of those unfortunate parts of adulting that we just cannot avoid. So, anything we can do to reduce bills has to be a good thing, right?!
A big one that hits most of us each quarter is the power bill. While paying for electricity to power our homes is a necessary evil, there are a number of things every household can do to help reduce their energy bill.
The obvious place to start is to compare energy plans. Each energy provider has a different fee structure, so it’s a great idea to check out rates and shop around for the best possible deal for your home.
Most providers offer free quotes and have their rates available online, making it easy to compare. It’s also a good idea to have your last energy bill handy, so you’re able to see exactly what your usage is, to get an idea of how much you can save.
As well as switching providers, there are many other things you can do in your home to reduce your energy bill. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Lighten up on lights
While it can be easy to assume lights don’t consume that much power, when your house is lit up like the Rockefeller Plaza christmas tree each night it can definitely take its toll on your bill. It is estimated that lighting makes up 8-15% of the average Australian household power bill. Train your family to turn off lights when they leave a room and opt for energy-efficient bulbs. Also watch out for things like heat lamps in bathrooms which can suck a lot of juice.
2. Switch off and unplug unused appliances
Got a second drinks fridge that only has a few things in it? Or a computer or gaming console that is constantly on standby? Even chargers left plugged in consume power when not in use. These little bits all add up over the quarter. And when shopping for new appliances, always be sure to check out their energy efficiency rating.
3. Watch your heating and cooling
While we all want to be comfortable in our homes, there is no denying that heating and cooling comes at price. There are many things that you can do to make climate control in your home more cost effective:
- Invest in outdoor awnings or blinds to keep out heat.
- Close blinds or curtains and use draft stoppers when cooling or heating rooms to help keep the cool or warm air in.
- Insulate your home for the same reason.
- Set the temperature to 5-27 degrees celsius for the most economical climate control.
- Snuggle up with a blanket rather than putting on the heater.
4. Install solar panels
Solar is a smart and increasingly popular option for Australian homeowners, particularly with government rebates on offer. Most energy providers pay a set rate per kWh that goes from your system back into the grid, which can also help to offset your energy bill.
5. Think about when you use power
Many energy providers offer an off-peak tariff which can be a much more economical option when using energy intensive appliances. You can set your dishwasher, hot water system, pool pump or even washing machine and dryer to turn on at night when power is a cheaper rate.
Obviously, these are just a few things that can help reduce your energy bill. Talk to your family about other ways you might be able to save energy usage and maybe set a goal for each quarter. Not only will you be saving money, you will also be reducing your household’s carbon footprint and helping teach your kids great lifetime habits around energy usage.
