We’ve all been guilty of complaining about our energy costs.
Sometimes, it feels like the big gas and electricity providers are determined to make life hard for homeowners. It’s certainly rare for rates to go down and increasingly common for prices to be hiked, particularly in the run up to winter. So, the question is, why aren’t we doing more to find a solution?
Well, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to beat the price hikes and cut your energy bills down to size. However, it does take a little bit of preparation and a few small lifestyle changes. The end result though is a substantially reduced rate of consumption and more money in your pocket. Plus, you get to contribute to the health of the environment as well.
This guide to the simplest ways to lower your energy bills will help you create an efficient, affordable home.
Invest In Solar Power
Solar power continues to be a superb form of sustainable energy.
It has grown in sophistication over the last decade, and modern panels are now very advanced. For instance, solar battery storage from AGL enables homeowners to conserve green energy for longer periods.
It means that it’s possible to run photovoltaic panels all day, while the sun is shining, and still have plenty of energy for the evening. Similarly, if you use the battery to store up the excess solar power on a very sunny day, you can use the surplus on a day which turns out to be overcast.
Switch Suppliers
Market experts advise regular switching when it comes to electricity and gas providers. This is because most are constantly chasing new customers. So, the best deals are part of introductory packages offered to those opening an account.
If possible, switch your energy provider once every couple of years to ensure that you’re getting the best rates available. When offset with the money saved by your solar panels, you should see utility bills shrink substantially.
Turn the Thermostat Down
Studies show that the vast majority of homeowners don’t notice if their thermostats are turned down by one or two notches, even in the winter. This is because we tend to push our central heating temperatures upwards when coming in from the cold and fail to turn them back down.
Yet, if you just wait thirty minutes to an hour, your body will acclimatize and you may not need to hike the heating up at all. Plus, turning the thermostat down by just one degree is enough to save a significant amount of cash each year.
Cover and Insulate
Every little hole, crack, and draft in your house lowers the temperature and forces you to use more gas or electricity to keep it warm. Therefore, if you want to shrink your energy bills, take the time to inspect the home for leaks and cool breezes.
Check around window and door frames, because the caulking recedes with age and little gaps can appear. All you have to do to fix them is apply a fresh seal. Make sure that all window and doors are airtight before the winter arrives.
Why Small Changes Lead to Big Savings
While covering up a hole in a window frame or turning the thermostat down a touch might seem like trivial moves, the reality is that they contribute to a more efficient home. Together, all of the little energy saving tricks you employ will lead to very real savings. With more money in your pocket, you can focus on doing the things you love.
