A few easy steps will help to reduce your energy and water bills painlessly. All that is needed is a little planning and a few inexpensive pieces of equipment.
Reduce Domestic Electricity Bills
Low-cost gadgets such as switched multiway extension leads and remote controlled plug-in sockets are a great way to ensure that equipment that isn’t in use is switched off. A remote controlled plug-in socket can be used to to switch on the coffee machine in the kitchen from the bedroom. Who said that energy saving devices had to be dull?!
- Switch Off Devices on Standby the Easy Way. We are often told that it is important to switch of televisions, DVD players and other devices rather than leave them on standby, but mains plug switches are often inaccessible, and there are so many of them! Use a multiway extension lead with a single switch to turn off several individual pieces of equipment at once from a convenient place in your living room. This is also a convenient way to switch of printers and other computer peripherals when no longer in use.
- Use Low Energy Light Bulbs in lights that you use a lot to gain maximum cost savings. If you don’t like the lighting effect of standard Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs why not try the Biobulb, a low energy daylight bulb which emits a full spectrum of light very similar to daylight?
- Use a Plug-in Mains Meter to learn more about the energy consumption of your electrical appliances around the home to help you target your energy saving efforts. For example, a Plug-In Mains Power and Energy Monitor will show you the high energy usage of a tumble dryer, typically a full load of washing requires three kilowatt hours to dry, check out how much this might cost by finding the price of a kilowatt hour on your electricity bill.
- Only use electricity when you need it. For example save electricity when using your kettle by heating only the water you need.
Reduce Domestic Heating Bills
Insulating your home and installing an energy efficient boiler are top of the list of steps you can take to reduce your heating bill. But there are other, simple steps that you can take to further reduce your heating outlay.
- Lined curtains reduce heat loss on cold nights. Be sure to close the curtains as the sun sets to reduce heat loss, and open them promptly at dawn to allow the sun to warm your home during daylight hours.
- Suitable Heating Controls ensure you only heat your home when necessary, and only as much as necessary. Electronic heating timers can fine tune your heating system to your family’s needs, and room thermostats enable you to heat guest rooms only when needed.
To further reduce your household running costs, read these tips on how to reduce your grocery shopping bills. If you have a wood burner then you can save money on your wood fuel with these wood burning stove accessories.
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