@Home: Easy Tips To Save Energy in Your Home
By QUICK TIPS
We all want to save some money. Even as oil prices trend downward, electricity is a significant expense in any household, and it is an essential part of everything we do – how we eat, store food, play and interact. Overall in every household electricity is an important factor in how we live our lives.
Here are some tips to save on your electricity bill:
1. Invest in Energy Saving Appliances
There are many energy efficient appliances out there. It’s best to invest in appliances that are “Energy-Star Efficient”. Kitchen and laundry appliances are the tough stuff (they consume most of your electricity) so make sure you do your research before buying new appliances.
Remember that shopping for appliances is not a “one-size fits all” decision! For instance, selecting a smaller refrigerator might be cheaper at the outset, but if it’s overstocked continuously, it will draw more power to function correctly.
Also, if you can, go with a gas stove! We can agree that there are many good options for electric stoves, but having a gas stove puts ease on your electricity bill, plus it heats up quickly, gives greater control and distribution of heat, and if there is a power cut you can still cook!
2. Buying Bulbs
LED Bulbs vs Traditional Light Bulbs
LED bulbs cost more than incandescent bulbs, but they’re still worth the investment since LEDs can help reduce your electricity bill by up to 25%. Where you can, switch out bedroom, kitchen and bathroom lights for LEDs and begin to monitor your electricity bill for changes as time goes by. You can even install a dimmer to control the levels, which will help save you money in the long run.
3. Energy Saving Tools
Energy monitoring is a full-time job, so don’t do it alone. Get an energy monitor, an energy tracking app or learn how to read your electricity metre. Energy monitors like “Current Cost”, monitor your wattage and your consumption patterns so you can adjust your usage and save more. You can get one of these monitors at your Jamaica Public Service (JPS) eStore or online.
Also from our blog: @Home: Every Drop Counts! Tips To Save Water At Home!
4. Practice Good Energy-Saving Habits
When not in use turn off lights, fans and air conditioning units. Also, unplug small appliances that you don’t use frequently and be sure to monitor water heaters. Other great habits include ironing clothes once a week instead of every morning and washing clothes in cold water versus warm water.
How do you save energy in your home? Let us know!
