Most of us by now will have made the big switch, switching from one utility provider to the next…Electric Ireland to Bord Gais Energy, Airtricity or even Flogas. Well done – you have saved between 10 and 18% of your normal electricity bill. However once done, is that it ? What other economies or actions can we take as a family to economise and help the family budget ? We all need to pull together, save together where we can.
Here are a number of electric tips you would well be advised to take onboard – it’s not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s learning to dance in the rain. Thirteen money-saving ways to reduce your electricity bill :
1. Changing your bulbs to CFLs – this will save you up to 20% of your annual bills. They may not look as pretty, but they will put money back in your pocket.
2. Only use washing machines and dishwashers with full loads – like your dustbin, it will pay you to optimise the load.
3. Never have the immersion on with your central heating – the immersion should only be used during the summer or when you do not need your central heating. The immersion is like a kettle – it should be switched off when you have heated the water.
4. Turn your thermostat down by 1° you will save 10% of your annual heating bill !
5. Use timers and night timers together with dimmers for light switches – also for those washing loads at night. Heavy sleepers never hear the din but count the money !
6. Use nightlights, especially in the bathroom. They are cheap to run.
7. Avoid peak time use as much as possible ( between 5pm and 7pm )
8. Turn off all lights in rooms not being used. Children especially should be encouraged to turn off lights in their own bedrooms when they leave for school on Winter mornings. Minimise lighting where you can. Think of using candles – it’s more romantic !
9. Only boil water in a kettle for your immediate needs – no need to put on a full kettle when you only want a cup of tea for yourself !
10. Take short showers and if bathing, have all the family use the same water, but not if one of them have just returned from a filthy rugby match !
11. Ensure your fridge and freezer is full – if you cannot fill it, place jugs of water inside. It is cheaper to run a full freezer than an empty one.
12. In Summer, use the clothes line to air your washing – cheaper than the expensive tumble-dryer. Only use that tumble dryer off peak and preferably at night time rates.
13. Switch off all electronic equipment – leaving them on “stand-by” mode uses 20% of the normal output.
Hopefully, the above will have turned you on.
John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Providence Finance Services Limited trading as Money Doctor, regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and author of the best-selling The Money Doctor 2016 – 100 Ways to Save Cash plus 50 Ways to Wealth (both Gill) now available for seminars and consultations : www.independentfinancialadvice.ie email jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or call Dublin 278 5555.
