In 2018, residential electric consumers in Ireland paid €897.21 per year for 4,200KWhs on a discounted plan. The lowest price consumers in Ireland paid for electricity in 2018 was equal to $1007.63 US. The Irish Examiner also reported that electric costs increased by more than 30% between 2017 and 2018.
Increases in electric rates have prompted many consumers to look for ways to reduce their electricity costs. Consumers can take several steps to reduce their electricity costs and save money on their energy bills.
Comparison Shopping
MoneyGains is a free website that enables consumers to compare costs from different vendors. Use Moneygains to review the current rates electric companies are charging. Comparison shopping is a practical way to find the lowest price for electricity. Moneygains also sends out newsletters with money-saving tips and you can find additional information about ways to reduce costs in their community forum.
Off-Peak Hours
Consume energy during off-peak hours to save money. Many electric companies have rates for peak hours and off-peak hours. One way you can reduce your electric costs is by waiting until bedtime to run the dishwasher or dryer. It’s also possible to lower your bill by charging smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices overnight.
Cold Water
Water heaters consume a lot of energy. Use cold water to wash your clothes. Since you will not pay to heat water, you will reduce your electric costs. You can also save money by getting in the habit of washing your hands and brushing your teeth with cold water.
Water Management
Filling your water tank and sending water throughout your home consumes electricity. Save money on your electric bill by eliminating water waste. Do not keep taps running while you are brushing your teeth or shaving. When you notice a faucet or pipe is leaking, get it repaired as soon as possible. Fixing leaks will also reduce your water consumption significantly. Running full loads of laundry is another way to reduce your water use and conserve power.
Smart Showers
One way to save money on your electric bill is by reducing your water heater’s thermostat to 120°F. Lowering your thermostat will reduce the cost of running the dishwasher and showering. It’s also possible to trim electric costs by reducing the length of time you spend in the shower. Aim to reduce shower times by one minute per person per shower. In a two-person household, you could eliminate over 700 minutes of hot water use.
Lighting
Pull back your curtains to let natural light in and take advantage of natural light during the day. It may be possible to put your favorite reading chair near a window so that you do not have to turn a light on to read. Another way to save money on lighting costs is by getting in the habit of turning lights off when you aren’t in the room. Make energy-efficient replacement decisions when your lightbulbs burn out. Installing LED lightbulbs can significantly reduce your monthly electric bill and save you money in the long run.
Turning Appliances Off
Appliances can consume electricity even if they aren’t in use. Many devices have lights or clocks that still operate when the appliance isn’t in use. Plug computers, televisions, and microwave ovens into surge protectors and turn them off when they aren’t in use to conserve energy.
Manage Your Air Conditioning
Air conditioning units consume a lot of electricity. It’s possible to save 14% or more on your electric bill by increasing your home’s temperature a few degrees. Be sure to shop for an energy-efficient option when it’s time to invest in a new Small Air Conditioner unit. Programmable thermostats will also save you money because you won’t have to remember to adjust the thermostat before leaving for work.
Smart Cooking
Avoid using your oven during the summertime to trim your air conditioning costs. Opt to barbecue food outside or plan on cold meals, such as salads. It also takes less electricity to run a crockpot, microwave, or toaster oven.
Energy-Efficient Replacements
Choose energy-efficient options when you need to replace appliances. Energy Star appliances are designed to use less energy. Check the energy star rating when it’s time to get a new refrigerator, dryer, or dishwasher. It’s also possible to save money by replacing your freezer and washer with energy-efficient models.
