High Temperatures Shouldn’t Mean High Electricity Bills As Well

Traditional incandescent bulbs may be cheaper compared to compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, but you end up paying more for your electricity bill. Aside from being energy hogs, incandescent bulbs do not last long. CFL bulbs are basically smaller versions of fluorescent lamps. They can easily fit in standard bulb sockets and provide the same light offered by incandescent bulbs. They use less power and last longer compared to incandescent bulbs.

However, you should be careful in handling them as they contain mercury. If the bulb breaks, cleanup will not be easy. On the other hand, LED bulbs last longer than both incandescent and CFL bulbs. They also use lesser energy and can be easily fitted into standard lighting fixtures. The main disadvantage of LED bulbs is their price tag. They are more expensive compared to incandescent and CFL bulbs. Nevertheless, the cost of buying LED bulbs can be offset by your savings in electricity bills.

Unplugging appliances when not in use is a well-known energy-saving tip. Appliances still use electricity even if the power switch is turned off since electricity continues to flow through them. While the cost may be small when you compute them on a daily basis, it can pile up in the long run. The same thing goes with computers and laptops. If you do not intend to use them for a long time, it is better to shut them down and unplug them.

Similar to bulbs, induction cookers are more expensive compared to regular electric stoves. However, cooking through induction is cheaper and more efficient compared to cooking with a heating element. In induction cooking, an electromagnetic field is used to heat up the cookware. Since heat is transferred directly onto the cookware, food is evenly heated and lesser heat is wasted. Then again, you will have to use cookware specifically designed for induction cooking. But at the end of the day, this added cost of acquiring the necessary equipment will save you more when you use an induction cooker compared to regular electric stoves.

The air-conditioner is normally the most abused appliance in the house during summer. And this increase in air-con usage will normally result in higher electricity bills. But, you may still save some money if you take advantage of one simple, yet cost-saving component found in many air-conditioners—the timer! You can set the timer to turn your air-con off around one to two hours before you wake up. Don’t worry; the room will remain cool enough for you to be comfortable while doing your morning rituals. Be happy; you’ll end up with lower electricity bills.

Yet other models are with an option to get the air-con turned off while the fan is turned on. These units are better since you can set the timer to turn off the air-conditioner and turn on the fan after, maybe, three to four hours. The fan will ensure cool air continues to circulate inside the room. Final bit on saving on air-conditioners: keep your unit properly maintained and have the filter cleaned regularly to ensure the air-con’s best performance.

It is important to make sure your refrigerator is well maintained to ensure that it functions efficiently. This means defrosting regularly to keep frost form accumulating. When frost accumulates in the refrigerator, your unit will have to work harder to maintain operational efficiency. In addition, you should make sure the seals of the refrigerator are keeping the cold air inside. It is also advisable to keep the refrigerator filled.

You may have to put in some bottles of water to fill in the space when the refrigerator is nearly empty. But, you should also avoid cramming too much stuff inside since this will prevent the cold air from circulating inside your refrigerator. Poor air circulation inside your fridge will cause the machine to work harder to keep the required temperature—and that uses up more electricity.

If you are planning to buy a new air-conditioner or refrigerator, it is important that you take note of the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of the units you are eyeing. A higher EER rating translates to more efficiency when it comes to energy consumption.

Electricity is one of the main expenses you have to consider when setting your household budget. And taking note of these tips will allow you to save on your electricity bills this summer.