We’re all in debt to Benjamin Franklin for discovering electricity back in the 1750s. One man simply flying a kite in an electrical storm led to the invention of cars, lightbulbs, appliances, and incredible technology that now powers our day-to-day lives. But it’s no secret that electricity is expensive in Sydney, and the non-renewable energy sources that often generate it are highly toxic to our environment. Here’s a list of seven ways that you can dramatically reduce your electricity bill, no matter your budget or timeframe.
1. Invest in solar power
The best investment you could ever make to reduce your power bill is to install solar panels on your home. Solar power is a truly renewable energy source, and while you will initially have to pay for solar panels and an inverter, your long-term electricity savings will speak for themselves.
2. Wash clothes in cold water
There’s no avoiding dirty clothes, but you can avoid excess electricity costs from doing your weekly laundry simply by switching your washing machine to a cold wash setting. For example, the annual cost of running a top loader washing machine might be $105 with warm water, but as low as $8 with cold water.
3. Hang-dry your laundry
We all love the feeling of warm, freshly dried clothes, but the average household dryer uses 3.3KW hours of energy. Why waste electricity when you could simply hang-dry your laundry for free? Channel your inner European and hang your clothes outside or on a balcony to make the most of nature’s free clothes dryer – the sun.
4. Warm up the old-fashioned way
Winter sure is a chilly time of year and nobody is immune to the cold, but you should avoid reaching straight for the air-conditioner remote when things get icy. Instead, warm up the way grandma did – wrap yourself up in a blanket and snuggle up with a hot water bottle.
5. Take shorter showers
Taking shorter showers is an obvious water-saving method, but did you know that it can save electricity, too? The majority of homes power their hot water by using electricity rather than gas, so taking shorter showers is a sure-fire way to reduce your energy costs. The environment will also be grateful, considering that the majority of Australia remains in extended drought conditions, and every drop counts.
6. Install energy-efficient lighting
You’d be surprised by how much energy a simple lightbulb uses, particularly when it’s on all day, every day. Consider switching out your old incandescent or halogen lightbulbs for modern, energy-efficient alternatives. Not only will they save you money, but they’re better for the environment and last longer, too!
7. Check appliance settings
Saving electricity isn’t just a matter of switching appliances off at the wall. Think critically about the settings used by long-running appliances like fridges and televisions. Does the freezer really need to be running that cold? Is there an eco-wash option on your dishwasher that you’ve overlooked? Seemingly small changes like these can make a significant impact on your electricity bill, and they’re so easy to make!
Image Source: 1Life Blog
