Electricity is firmly entrenched in modern-day life. Most of us would have a hard time surviving even one day without electricity.
However, that doesn’t mean that we’re happy about paying the electric bill, especially when it keeps getting bigger.
To help with that, we’ve got a few tips from an expert Northern Beaches electrician to help you slash your electricity bill.
Electricity Expense
Does it seem like your electric bill has steadily gone up the past few years? You’re right. On average, Australian households are spending more than $550 more per year than they were 3 years ago.
That’s a big jump. No wonder your wallet has been feeling it!
Slashing Your Electric Bill
Unfortunately, the cost of electricity will probably only keep going up. The best way to combat rising prices is to lower your usage and thus get a lower electricity bill. Here are a few ways you can do that without having to change your lifestyle much.
Low-Flow Showerhead
This tip is kind of a two-for-one deal. Low-flow showerheads can cut the flow rate of water in your showers by nearly half. This means that you’ll save money on your water bill because you’re using less water.
Plus, since water heating accounts for about 23% of your total electricity bill, you’ll save by not heating that extra water.
Wash in Cold Water
Another way to reduce the need for hot water is to wash most of your clothing in cold water. For sanitation’s sake, you should still wash items like socks and underwear in hot water.
But everything else can be washed in cold water. It’s also better for your clothes. Cold water is gentler on clothing and there is less chance that the colours will run.
Do Chores During Off-Peak Hours
Electricity prices throughout most of Australia are lower during off-peak hours. Find out what these hours are in your area and try to do your most electricity-dependent chores during these hours.
It might not be feasible to do your vacuuming early in the morning, but try to run the dishwasher and washing machine/dryer during these hours. Plus, you can put your electric hot water on a timer so that it will only heat water when the rates are lower.
Add Insulation
Heating and cooling account for the largest share (40%) of electricity use in most Australian households. Anything you can do to help keep the heat where you want it will help lower your electric bill dramatically.
Try adding insulation, particularly in the attic to limit heat transfer as much as possible. Replace the weatherstripping around your windows and doors and caulk any cracks or holes that you find.
A little bit surprisingly goes a long way when it comes to heating and cooling.
Enjoy a Lower Electric Bill
Good news is hard to come by sometimes, so a lower electric bill can be cause for celebration. Put these tips to good use and see how much you can save on your bill!
