Contents
Add Energy Efficiency to Your List of New Year’s Resolutions
With the new year fast approaching, it’s time to get your resolutions in order. You may have already resolved to start a healthier diet or go to the gym, but what about finding the means to lower your power bill? Resolutions are great, but making a concerted effort to be more energy-efficient can lead to better habits and more money saved.
Let’s face it. Most people start the year with elaborate resolutions and plans but end up abandoning them or losing interest. The great thing about committing to saving energy is that it comes with the reward of keeping more money back in your pocket. It doesn’t take significant financial investments (or routine physical activity) to do this, either. Even small household changes can lead to big savings.
One of the most important steps you can take to potentially lower your energy bills is to check whether you’re on a bad rate. The energy market is evolving rapidly, and energy prices continue to fluctuate. What does that mean for you? It’s simple. You could be paying more for electricity than the market average because you haven’t switched to a more competitive energy plan. Call Electricity Monster today and let our energy experts compare rates from our partnered retailers on your behalf and get you connected fast. We’ll take care of the energy process from you – no more cold-calling retailers and dealing with paperwork. It’s fast, free, and easy.
How Can I Reduce My Energy Bill Further?
If you think you’re paying more for electricity, you may be. One of the easiest ways to lower your bill is to compare energy plans and switch to a more competitive rate. Most retailers offer a benefit period that ends after a specified period (i.e., 12 months). Once this promotional period ends, your rate could be significantly higher than what you initially signed up for. At Electricity Monster, we can help you potentially lower your bill by comparing rates and finding you a fair deal from our network of partnered retailers. We may also be able to apply energy concessions to your energy account at no cost to you. Click the link below for our best deal and a $50 voucher.
1. Use Less, Save More
The old saying, “less is more,” is undoubtedly true when it comes to energy efficiency. The less energy you use, the less money you’ll likely pay on your energy bill.
The concept of drastically lowering your energy usage isn’t as easy as people make it out to be. You still need to cook, clean, and stay comfortable, especially during the hotter months. Instead, it’s much more realistic to make small changes over time. For example, start with menial tasks like turning off lights when you’re not in the room or setting your thermostat higher or lower – depending on the weather. The more accustomed you are to doing this, the more habitual it becomes. Then, you can slowly add new things, like using cold water for laundry, avoiding heavy energy use during peak hours, and even scheduling pre-season checkups for your air conditioner and heating unit to ensure they perform at maximum energy efficiency.
Need help keeping track of every change you make throughout the year? Make a list and post it on your refrigerator or anywhere you can see it. Add one new thing every month and make it a point of emphasis so it almost becomes second nature.
2. Start Tracking and Monitoring Your Energy Consumption
Tracking and monitoring your energy consumption is a fantastic way to reduce your energy bill. You’d be surprised at how much electricity you use daily. Even if you think you’re being efficient with your energy consumption, you can always make small adjustments – which can make a huge difference.
You can even monitor your progress with your family and make it fun – which is much more effective than nagging them. Try keeping a chart of small changes every family member can make – like unplugging unused appliances when they’re not in use or putting on a sweater when it’s cold instead of leaving the heater on for the entire day. Remember, every small change can effectively lower your power bill if you stick to it.
3. Make One Energy-Efficient Upgrade Per Month
Energy-efficient upgrades can pay for themselves over time – which makes them great investments for households that are serious about being more cost-effective when it comes to energy. There is an upfront cost, like you’d expect from every purchase. That’s why you want to spread out these purchases over time – like every month, for example.
You can even start with small, inexpensive upgrades, like installing power strips for your television, computer, and other electronics to help stop “vampire power.” The next month, you can tackle your lights and start installing energy-efficient lighting throughout your home.
Every change you make can lead to significant savings. They don’t require much handiwork outside of the initial installation, and thanks to modern technological advances, you won’t experience many downsides with these new upgrades.
4. Replace Old Lights With Energy-Efficient Bulbs
As mentioned in the resolution above, one of the easiest and cheapest ways to lower your electricity bill is to switch your existing lights to LEDs. LED bulbs use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. You might not even know the difference in lighting efficiency when you switch.
LEDs are great for your bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom. They’re also relatively inexpensive, so you won’t have to fork over hundreds of dollars to get your home up and running.
5. Minimize Vampire Power
Vampire power, otherwise known as phantom power, is when appliances or electronics consume energy when they are shut off. They can account for a sizeable portion of your electricity bill without you even knowing it.
Generally speaking, every electronic device or appliance plugged into an outlet still uses an electric current. Take televisions, for example. Even if you turn them off, they continuously use energy to perform system updates, connect to your router for internet capabilities, and even record data. Regularly available power means your devices can actively respond quickly when you turn them on. However, while this can come in handy, it also comes at a high cost.
You’re probably thinking, “It’s not feasible just to unplug every appliance and plug them back in whenever it’s needed.” You’re right. it’s a nuisance to do it this way. Fortunately, there are alternatives to this, which include:
- Using energy-efficient appliances and electronics.
- Installing power strips and turning the switch on and off.
- Activate energy-saving modes.
- Unplug lesser-used items.
6. Switch to a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a worthwhile upgrade that can save you money. Also known as “smart thermostats”, these devices can help trim your utility bills while keeping your home both warm and cool.
The secret to smart thermostats is pretty simple. They will turn off the AC and heat more often than traditional thermostats, without sacrificing comfort in the process. One of the ways it does is through the use of motion sensors. If the thermostat doesn’t pick up anyone around the home, it can switch to an energy-saving mode automatically. Think of it like when you adjust your thermostat by hand when you leave the house. A smart thermostat does this for you so you don’t use unnecessary electricity heating or cooling a home when nobody is there.
7. Check and See If You’re On a Good Energy Rate
If you haven’t already, check to see if you’re on a good energy rate. You could be on a bad rate and not even know it. Take the time to compare the market so you can find a competitive energy plan that suits your budget and needs.
It’s important to remember that your energy plan can gradually become more expensive over time. This is because your benefit period may have ended, which can lead to a loss of any discounts that were applied when you first signed up for the plan. Once your benefit period has expired, your rate could increase significantly – and you wouldn’t even know until you’ve checked. Start by comparing your options through a service like Electricity Monster. Our team of energy experts will find you the best deal we have available, take care of the switching process, and provide you with various free solutions. Don’t wait. Your energy rate won’t go down on its own. It’s time you considered switching to a better deal.
Other Reads You Might Like
Disclaimer:
- The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose.
- Any reliance you place on the information provided in this article is therefore strictly at your own risk. You need to make your own enquiries to determine if the information or products are appropriate for your intended use.
- In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
- Electricity Monster does not make any guarantees, explicitly or implicitly, over the accuracy of the materials provided.
- We do not guarantee that the information provided applies to every household or every business in Australia.
- We encourage readers to verify the data provided here, with a third-party, independent source before coming to any conclusions.
- The information provided here is accurate to the best of our knowledge. The figures represented are pulled from the Australian Government official website.
Get a $50* Coles or Woolies Voucher
When You Call & Switch Today
- Compare Providers
- 100% Free Service
- Brokered Over 150,000 Deals
Benjamin Tom
Benjamin Tom covers the retail energy market, with a focus on electricity, solar, and Internet. His interests include helping people navigate the complexities of the energy market while saving money on their power bills.