14 ways to save money on your electricity bill
In retirement it's important to look for ways to reduce your living costs. And one of the biggest areas of expenditure these days is your electricity charges.
There are many little things you can do every day that can add up to big savings on your power costs. Here are just a few!
1) Look around for a better energy deal
You’ve probably heard of the “lazy tax” which providers apply to loyal customers who set and forget their plans. To avoid this, try visiting online comparison sites such as Compare the Market or iSelect to see if you can get a better deal from another provider.
You may be able to save money by paying on time, using off-peak electricity, or switching tariffs. If you’re not confident, ask a friend or family member to make an enquiry on your behalf.
Remember, you don’t have to switch right away. You can just gather the information and decide later.
2) Keep your air con at 21°C all year round
About 40% of your home energy use goes into heating and cooling?Here’s something to bear in mind: for every degree you increase your heating or cooling, your energy use increases by between 5% and 10%.
For the most efficient heating and cooling, set your air con to 21°C all year round. That’s a comfortable temperature for your home, no matter what the weather’s doing outside.
3) Draught-proof your home
You can cut your energy bill by up to 25% by making sure air isn’t either escaping out, or creeping in. Use a ‘door sausage’ to seal the gap under doors, and make sure your windows, skylights, skirting boards and cornices are fully sealed.
4) Install curtains or blinds on all windows
If you’re spending money to heat or cool your home, you don’t want that precious conditioned air to escape through your windows. Ensure you have the proper curtains or blinds to prevent heat entering or leaving (depending on the season). You could even consider the option of double glazing.
5) Open a window for free fresh air
Remember the days when you used to open the windows if it was hot and pull on a jacket when it cooled down? You’ll certainly save money on your electricity bill if you wait until you absolutely need it to turn on that fan or air conditioner. Fresh air is also better for your health and won’t dry your skin as much. Fitting adjustable locking windows is a great idea.
6) Use fans rather than an air conditioner
Cost-wise your fan is about two cents an hour to run. That’s a lot less than your air con!
On a warm day you may only want a little breeze to feel comfortable. If you’ve opened up the windows, your fans will help circulate the breeze and can drop the temperature by up to 3°C.
7) Make the most of nature’s lighting
By using natural lighting you’re instantly saving on electricity and maybe getting a little vitamin D boost as well! Open up the curtains or blinds, or better still, go outside and enjoy the sunshine.
8) Lighten up your home
A dark interior needs more lighting. So when you’re considering your home’s décor, think about painting the walls in lighter colours that reflect natural light and reduce the need for electrical lighting.
9) Use your lighting efficiently
Remember how mum always used to nag us to “Turn the light off when you leave the room!” Well, Mum had a point and it saved money!
You can also save by using a small lamp rather than an overhead light where possible such as for reading, crafts, or doing the crossword.
10) Switch to energy-efficient lighting
Once your old-style globes blow, replace them with energy-efficient LED’s. They last between four and ten times longer and use around 80% less energy.
11) Get the temperature right
Check your temperature is set properly. For instantaneous gas hot water systems the recommended setting is 50°C.
12) Invest in an energy efficient hot water system
There’s no need to replace your hot water system until it fails. When you do, look for an energy-efficient model that will save your power costs.
13) Buy energy efficient appliances
The Energy Rating label on major appliances shows you how efficient that model is: the more stars, the more efficient. Choosing an energy-efficient model may cost you a little more in initially, but will greatly reduce your running costs over the life of the product.
14) Save water as well as electricity
When you’re looking at buying a dishwasher or washing machine, look for both the energy and water efficiency star ratings. Buying a machine that has high ratings in both areas will add up to savings in energy and water.
Inspect our beautiful, energy efficient homes at Kensington Gardens
The team at Kensington Gardens Retirement Estates at Albury and Shepparton will be happy to help you choose the ideal home to suit your retirement lifestyle. Energy efficiency is just one factor to think about.
And if you’d like to see our homes for yourself, arrange your personal tour by calling Kensington Gardens today or get in touch online to book a time to come in and visit us.
