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Easy Tips to Lower Your Electricity Bill

Written by Gene Armstrong

Topic: Environmental and Green LivingPublished January 10, 2013
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If you're struggling with your current high electricity bills each month, there are simple ways you can actually reduce the cost without sacrificing so much of your convenience by limiting usage. Yes, you can decrease your cost by not using so much electricity, but not to the point when you feel too hot or too warm inside and still choose not to turn off the AC or heater for comfort. Here are simple ways to reduce consumption without the huge sacrifice.

Use Standard Temperature for Fridges and Air-conditioners

What many people are not aware of is that fridges and air-conditioners perform much better when they are in their standard and recommended temperatures. If these units are set in higher temperature, they will, of course, require a higher level of energy, which will then reflect as higher cost in your electricity bill. To know the recommended temperature of your units, refer to the manual or contact the supplier for info. Most fridges temperature must be set in the middle of the full range, and the same goes for some AC units. If you also keep your AC units and fridges clean, it will perform better and require less energy to provide proper cooling and heating. Organize items and containers in your fridge properly to maintain ample airflow and operate efficiently.

You can also take advantage of timers for air-conditioners to limit consumption. Furthermore, always check for energy-efficient models if you will be buying a new fridge or AC.

Solar Outdoor Lights

Outdoor lights are essential as ambient lighting or for providing light along pathways, backyards and doorways. This is only useful in the evening when there's no natural lighting available. In this case, you can make use of solar outdoor lights that can lower your consumption of main electricity and offer a sustainable energy source. Solar energy can be harnessed in the day and generated for use at night. This alte
ative to traditional lighting types can help reduce consumption and electricity cost.

Other Tips:

Wash and iron clothes in bulk once a week to reduce the frequency of electricity usage in a week.
Use a microwave oven or oven toaster instead of the typical oven as much as possible. Microwaves and oven toasters can prepare or heat food faster and consume less energy than conventional ovens.
Avoid sleep or standby mode in electronic devices because they still consume energy even when not in use. Turn them off instead and just turn them back on when needed.

Switch to a Better Offer

Generally, the rates of energy retailers in your area are similar with some slight price variations but all in all, they mostly offer the same price because they usually get their energy supply from one distributor. The offers will vary though. This is where you can find a good package and payment plan that will be convenient to your lifestyle and household habits. Finding the right energy provider will take time to compare offers and plans. You can, however, choose to use switching services. In Australia, they have www.switchwise.com.au, which is an online comparison site of energy suppliers in the country.

Article author

About the Author

Gene Armstrong is an energy expert based in Australia. He specializes in knowledge about switching, energy efficiency, and green energy. You can know more about Origin Energy NSW in www.switchwise.com.au.