Energy-Wasting
Are you worried about the increasing electricity bills at your home, even after restricting the power usage? According to electricians in Pakenham, there are multiple ways in which you may be wasting electricity and getting a spike in bills. Leaving the appliance on standby is one that most of us know about. However, there are multiple other habits that a house owner has which may lead to energy wastage.
Below are the 10 shocking ways we could waste energy in our homes without realising it. Read on to learn about these are eliminate these habits to save energy and bills-
Leaving Appliances Plugged In
What do you do when the battery of your phone or laptop is full? Well, you switch off the power, isn’t it? However, do you know that merely switching off the power doesn’t mean there is no electricity consumption through the charger? Even if your appliance is off, it will still draw power if it is left plugged in. To save energy, ensure you unplug any appliance that is not in use. It applies particularly to things like chargers, kitchen appliances (e.g. toasters and kettles) and electronics (e.g. TVs and computers).
Overheating Your House
It’s easy to turn up the thermostat too high while trying to keep warm during cold months, but according to Pakenham electricians, this can waste a lot of energy and money. Try only heating rooms you’re using and keeping doors closed wherever possible so heat doesn’t escape from other areas of the house unnecessarily.
Not Taking Advantage of Natural Light
Natural light is free, so ensure you take full advantage of it by opening curtains and blinds during the day whenever possible instead of unnecessarily switching on artificial lighting. If you need to use artificial lighting for extended periods during the day, try switching to LED bulbs, which are much more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. These also last up to 15 times longer than the traditional ones.
Using Inefficient Shower Heads
According to Energy Star, showering accounts for around 20% of residential water heating costs. Therefore, investing in an efficient shower head with low flow rate capabilities pays off, such as a dual-spray shower head or one with pressure-compensating technology built into it. This helps reduce water wastage without sacrificing performance or comfort levels.
Not Insulating Your Walls Properly
Insulation is an excellent way to optimise the temperature inside the building. With better insulation, you will not have to use temperature control devices, thereby saving on energy costs. Poor insulation means the heat will escape quickly through walls and windows, resulting in higher energy bills. Therefore, consider insulating your loft since this will help keep warm air inside the house where it belongs.
Washing Clothes at High Temperatures
Hot water rinsing off your clothes is the perfect way to remove germs and keep them healthy. However, not every cloth requires a hot water rinse. Even if some of the dresses do, you can lower the temperature a bit so as not to pay high energy bills. Also, washing clothes with lukewarm water reduces wear & tear on your clothes which helps them last longer.
Defrosting Frozen Food Incorrectly
The most traditional and energy-saving method of defrosting food is keeping it out in the open for an extended duration. However, we prefer putting it in the microwave or a bowl of hot water that consumes energy. It’s a waste of energy, and you are also at risk of spoiling the food due to abrupt temperature fluctuations. Therefore op for natural means of defrosting and save both money and time.
Keeping Fridges & Freezers Open for Too Long
We are all guilty of opening the fridge for no reason. Sometimes, we don’t know what we want, yet we open the door and then think of what to pick. All these activities let the cold air escape from the fridge leading to energy wastage. It’s important not to keep fridge & freezer doors open for extended periods whilst searching for items inside them. Doing so will lead to food spoilage, and you will also have to bear high electricity costs. Also, as the fridge overworks to maintain the temperature, it can damage sooner, forcing you to call the electrician in Pakenham.
Running Half-full Dishwashers
Dishwashers consume quite a bit of electricity, so try not running them until they’re full. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying more than necessary for something that could have been done much cheaper & quicker had all dishes been washed together in one go.
Leaving Lights on Overnight
Lights account for around 20% of electricity consumption in most homes, so turning them off before bed can go a long way towards reducing your bills. Consider using motion sensors or timers so lights don’t stay on when no one needs them.
Conclusion
We all want our homes to be comfortable while also saving money in the process. But sometimes we forget about certain aspects that could be causing our households unnecessary expenses due to wasted energy usage without even realising it. Armed with this knowledge, though, those pesky hidden costs can become a thing of the past.
There are many other tips and tricks that can help you save energy and spend less on electricity bills. However, for them, you will need to contact competent electricians in Pakenham, such as Direct Point Electricals, who are licensed, insured, and highly experienced professionals knowing the minutest details of electricity and ways to save it.
