Save money while reducing your energy consumption—check these tips out!

The cost of electricity is rising, due to the recent uncertainty of the geopolitical balance caused by wars and changes of governements in different parts of the world; and as a consequence many of us have now to pay more for energy, and are looking for ways to cut their electricity bill.

According to the International Energy Agency, the global electricity consumption is set to rise worldwide in the next years, as countries try to meet their decabornisation targets; and technology advancements will lead to a growth in demand in many regions.

But there are simple and sustainable ways you can cut your electricity bill at home: we have put together a list of eight tips to help you stop wasting electricity at home and lower your bills.

Be smart and change your consumption habits

• Unplug unused devices – Disconnect electronics when not in use to avoid standby power waste. And remember to turn off the light when leaving a room.
• Check your thermostat and fridge/freezer settings – Adjust heating/cooling temperatures to reduce energy consumption. According to the European Commission, turning down the thermostat in your home by just 1 °C would save around 7% of the energy you use for heating, and more than 70 euros from your annual energy bill. Keep the temperature at the recommended levels for fridges (5°C) and freezers (-18°C). BONUS TIP: defrost your freezer regularly.
• Air-dry clothes & dishes – Skip the dryer and dishwasher heat cycle to save power. You can also run shorter cycles at lower temperatures in your washing machine.

Upgrade your home efficiency

• Weatherproof doors & windows – Carry a home audit and seal any leaks to prevent heating or cooling loss.
• Choose ceiling fans for temperature control – Use fans to reduce reliance on air conditioning.
• Use natural light – Maximise daylight as much as you can to minimize artificial lighting needs.
• Carry regular routine HVAC maintenance – Clean filters and service any of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning units to keep them running efficiently. Bleed your radiators if you hear gurgling noises or feel cold patches when you switch them on. You can also place reflective panels behind them to improve the heating distribution.
• Choose energy-efficient appliances and devices – Use LED light bulbs, install dimmer switches and smart power strips; when you need to buy a new appliance, purchase one with an Energy Star (or equivalent) certification. And get solar panels if you can!

As you can see, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to cut your energy bill. Energy-efficient appliances and solar panels might cost more upfront compared to their alternatives, but they will make you save money in the long run. For instance, by using LED light bulbs you can save £3-4 per bulb per year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

Even the smaller adjustment can lead to significant change. Follow these steps and start cutting your electricity costs today! You will see a big difference in price in your next bill.