As the colder months set in and heating systems work overtime, many households are bracing for higher energy bills. With rising costs putting a strain on budgets, now is the perfect time to adopt energy-saving habits.
Chris Madikian, electrical expert at The Local Electrician, shares practical tips to help lower your energy costs.
Kitchen strategies
- Batch cooking: Cooking multiple meals at once reduces energy usage by minimizing the time your oven is running. Plus, reheating is far more energy efficient.
- Unplug appliances: Many small appliances, such as microwaves and coffee makers, use energy even when idle. Unplugging devices or using a power strip can save you up to $100 a year.
- Defrost naturally: Instead of using energy-hungry microwaves, plan ahead and let frozen items thaw naturally.
Temperature tactics
- Smart thermostats: Investing in a smart thermostat can help you learn and adjust your heating and cooling habits to maximize savings.
- Ceiling fan hacks: Fans should run counterclockwise in summer to cool and clockwise in winter to redistribute warm air.
- Seal the gaps: Draft-proofing doors and windows is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to keep your home temperature stable.
Lighting smarts
- LED bulbs: Switching to LED bulbs can cut lighting costs by 75 percent.
- Task lighting: Instead of illuminating an entire room, use targeted lights like desk lamps for focused tasks.
Laundry and cleaning
- Cold water washes: Using cold water for laundry saves on water-heating costs without sacrificing cleanliness.
- Avoid tumble drying: Skipping the dryer can save $100 or more annually. Use cheaper alternatives such as heated clothes airers and dehumidifiers.
- Full loads only: maximize efficiency by running dishwashers and washing machines only when fully loaded.
Tech-savvy solutions
- Smart plugs: These let you automate and schedule when devices are powered on, ensuring they’re not running needlessly.
- Eco modes: Many appliances, from dishwashers to fridges, have energy-saving settings. Switching to these modes can cut consumption significantly.
Lifestyle changes that add up
- Natural light: Relying on sunlight during the day can drastically reduce the need for artificial lighting.
- Shorter showers: Heating water accounts for a significant chunk of energy bills. Cutting just a few minutes off your shower time can yield noticeable savings.
“Saving on electricity bills doesn’t always require drastic lifestyle changes or expensive upgrades,” says Madikian. “It’s about understanding how energy is used in your home and making smarter choices, like sealing drafts, using appliances efficiently, and embracing technologies like smart plugs or LED bulbs. These small adjustments can lead to substantial savings, especially as energy costs continue to rise.”
