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REDDITBeing energy smart makes sense on all levels – not only will you save considerable amounts of money on your household bills, you’ll be making an important contribution to reducing global warming and creating a greener planet for the next generation. But though most of us are familiar with the benefits, we also tend to put off making changes: we’re preoccupied with other things, we can’t afford the investment or we’re simply not sure where to begin. If any of these apply to you, keep reading! This article provides a quick and easy overview of some of the best ways to stay energy smart this year and reduce your household bills in the process.
Switch Your Energy Supplier
How many of us are truly happy with our energy supplier? Constant price increases, poor customer service, unethical practices and a lack of reward for customer loyalty are just a few of the problems frequently cited by customers. The answer is simple: switch! Sit down and work out how much you currently pay annually, what kind of tariff you’d ideally like, and how much notice you need to give on your current contract to avoid paying a fee (Consumer Affairs Victoria has some useful advice to get you started). Once you know this, you can begin searching for the perfect provider for you – and there are some great electricity providers in New South Wales to choose from. Take the plunge – most of us are currently paying more than we need to, so don’t be scared to explore the alternatives.
Make a Conscious Effort to Change Your Habits
Your bathroom and kitchen are the perfect place to start: one of the easiest yet most effective changes you can make is to start washing your laundry at thirty degrees, which can save anything from 150 to 500 pounds of CO2 annually depending on how you heat your water. If you’re worried about clothes not coming out clean, it’s now easy to find specially adapted detergents for washing at low temperatures – and they’re often no more than expensive than regular varieties! If you have a dishwasher in your kitchen, make sure never to switch it on until it’s completely full – and forgo the drying cycle, which can account for up to 20% of your machine’s energy consumption. Elsewhere in the house, make sure never to leave your TV on standby and to always unplug chargers and other gadgets – which can consume a surprising amount of energy – when you’re not using them.
Buy Green Appliances
Paying attention to your appliances is a great way of reducing energy use in the home. Of course, this doesn’t mean that should run out and replace the ones you already have, but next time you’re in the market for something new, it’s worth making energy efficiency one of your criteria. Though refrigerators are probably the heaviest consumers of power in your household (a typical 1990 refrigerator is responsible for producing more than 1,200 pounds of CO2 annually), dishwashers, washing machines and televisions are also well-known energy sappers. Firstly, always check an appliance’s Energy Rating Label. When buying a dishwasher, always choose one with an economy cycle – and buy a larger model if you can, since it will use less water per dish washed. When it comes to your TV, consider investing in an LED screen, the most efficient technology currently available. Once you get it home, always remember to check your brightness (factory settings are often brighter than they need to be in a home environment) and always remember to switch off – not onto standby – when you’ve finished watching. Lastly, unlike with other household items, be wary of making second-hand purchases: newer appliances will almost definitely be more efficient and cost-effective in the long run.
