Ah, summertime. From backyard pool parties to homemade popsicles and warm weather, it’s a season we all look forward to. But with the goodness of this time of year also comes a challenge – high electricity costs. Many property owners see their bills skyrocket in the summer as their demand increases due to increased usage.
Luckily, there are a number of mitigatory measures you can take to slash your usage during these warmer months and keep costs to a minimum. We’ve listed the top seven below.
1. Swap out your old appliances for energy-efficient models. By replacing outdated refrigerators, air conditioners and other essential household items with a more modern and efficient model, you can minimise your electricity consumption.
2. Make use of natural cooling techniques. Draw the curtains on sunny days and keep your windows open at night to increase natural airflow in your home. But be mindful of the temperature outside in relation to that of your home – if it’s warmer outside than in, you’ll be letting cool air escape and increase your electricity costs.
3. Implement a programmable thermostat. With this device, you can easily set up an automated temperature control system that will adjust the temperature of your home accordingly. This keeps it comfortable while still limiting electricity consumption. Some models even come with added bells and whistles like the ability to monitor your usage and receive notifications about when your energy consumption is higher than usual.
4. Monitor your usage. It’s important to stay on top of your energy usage, especially during the summer. Try to reduce consumption during peak hours and use it more efficiently in off-peak periods. Visiting your municipality or State’s website will give you further details on going rates and when they’re the lowest. You can also check out energy comparison websites to compare energy rates and find the best energy plan that suits your needs. We recommend speaking with an electrician or someone licensed to do electrical work for their advice.
5. Unplug unused appliances. When not in use, unplugging your electronics and other appliances will reduce the amount of energy they take in while not being used. This is especially important for items that don’t need to be running 24/7 like video game consoles, TVs and computers.
6. Utilise a solar energy system. Making the switch to solar energy is one of the biggest ways you can reduce your electricity bills. With the abundance of sunshine during summer, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of this move in no time!
7. Invest in energy-efficient light bulbs. Replacing your incandescent and halogen bulbs with LED or CFL lights can help you save up to 80% on your lighting costs. They may require a bit more investment upfront, but their energy and cost saving benefits will quickly make up the difference.
While summer energy bills can be daunting, it’s important to remember that the power (no pun intended) is still in your hands. By taking the steps outlined above and investing in energy-efficient products, you’ll be able to slash your electricity bill and enjoy a cooler summer season.
