Knowing how to reduce electric bills in the winter can save you hundreds of euros every year. Your home will remain warm and cosy even when the temperatures outside begin to drop. So, what options are available? Will you be forced to spend massive amounts of money?
The good news is that there are plenty of methods that an electrical contractor may recommend. You might hear different types of advice from different people. This is why the team at JK Services has decided to cut through the fluff and get right to the point. Let’s look at some strategies in a bit more detail.
Embrace the Digital Age
Do you still pay your electrical bills by so-called “snail mail”? If so, you could be spending slightly more. Most service providers will offer small discounts if you choose their online billing options (this saves them money on postage fees).
Another interesting point is that virtual bills will offer other details such as consumption rates and even the times of the day when your home consumes the most electricity. This is a great way to see if there are any possibilities to cut back.
Avoid Estimates
The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) will arrive at your home to read your meter four times each year. The problem is that some properties might be difficult to access. In this case, you will instead be provided with an estimate. The problem is (as the name suggests) that these estimates are not always accurate.
Estimates can sometimes cause you to pay more than you should, and winter is the last time when you wish to be confronted with higher energy bills. You should instead read your meter. It is then possible to enter this information into an online billing portal. If you have additional questions, speak with a qualified electrician or contact a representative from the energy provider.
Rack Up the Savings With Overnight Usage
Were you aware that Cork residents can now benefit from the NightSaver tariff? This programme offers lower rates to those who use at least 30 per cent of their electricity during the overnight hours (less strain is placed upon the grid). NightSaver meters can be installed by your provider and the savings will soon add up. Here are some useful strategies to take advantage of lower overnight rates:
- Attach major appliances (such as dishwashers and dryers) to plug-in timers when running overnight.
- Only heat those areas of the home which are being occupied.
- Invest in a smart thermostat, as less energy will be used.
It’s also a good idea to get a periodic inspection of your light fixtures and heating elements. Any small problems can be addressed before they become major headaches.
How to Reduce Electric Bills in the Winter with Appliance Testing
When was the last time that you had your refrigerator, washing machine or boiler inspected? Believe it or not, some Cork homeowners will allow years to elapse; even if they are already paying higher energy bills. If you suspect that rising costs are the result of less-than-efficient appliances, it’s about time to consult with a PAT testing service.
JKS provides this type of testing and it can quickly determine if your appliances are working as they should. Not only will this highlight any units that need to be replaced, but it can also reduce the chances of more serious situations. After all, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Lower Your Winter Energy Consumption
This might seem like common sense and yet, there are a handful of interesting suggestions that some homeowners have not yet adopted. Here are some tried-and-tested tips if you wish to know how to reduce electric bills in the winter:
- Make sure that your hot water cylinder is properly insulated.
- Try to limit your showering times.
- Connect your oven to a timer when cooking food.
- Switch to LED lightbulbs as opposed to incandescent fixtures.
- Unplug appliances when they are not in use, as some may continue to draw power.
- Keep doors closed to eliminate draughts and to avoid heating unoccupied rooms.
You can also speak with a professional to determine if your loft insulation is functioning properly or to install double-glazed windows. Although these final recommendations will require an investment, let’s never forget that modern solutions will always save you money over time.
Going Green
Why rely solely on mains electricity when they are other alternatives to consider? For example, many Cork residents have already outfitted their homes with solar panels. Solar energy is a great way to offset your energy consumption and you might even be able to benefit from a handful of green incentives offered by the Irish government.
The use of modern solar panels could reduce the carbon footprint of your home by up to 80 per cent in a single year. This also translates to reduced electrical bills. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you will be saving money along the way. You might be asking yourself if solar panels are worth it in Ireland?, do solar panels work when it’s cloudy? are there solar panel grants available? If so, get in touch with us and we can have a chat about any unanswered questions you may have.
Consider How Larger Spaces are Being Heated
Any article discussing how to reduce electric bills in the winter should mention how a room is heated. Although you might enjoy a fireplace during a frosty evening, what about when it is not in use? Be sure to close the flue, as internal warmth will otherwise escape. You could be paying to heat the outdoors!
If you will be remaining in a single room, it could also be better to use a smaller space heater as opposed to relying on domestic gas or electricity. There are plenty of modern heaters to choose from. Not only are these very efficient, but they are completely safe. Some even offer a built-in humidifier if you are worried about the air becoming too dry. As always, a bit of online research will go a long way.
Switch Energy Providers
Knowing how to reduce electric bills in the winter also involves looking at the “big picture”. In other words, a different provider might offer additional money-saving benefits? This is not entirely out of the question, and it pays to perform additional research.
There are plenty of online comparison portals which contrast the latest deals as well as where they apply. This is a highly competitive industry and firms are desperate to obtain new customers. This often comes in the form of a substantial signup discount. Still, be sure to check out the rates after this initial grace period. You can then take a closer look at these variables before deciding:
- Do they offer any renewable energy incentives?
- What types of customer service options are available?
- Can you access online billing services?
- Are there any reward schemes or loyalty programmes offered to long-term customers?
- Will you be given a choice between fixed and variable tariffs?
Read through any available reviews and if you come across a provider that has been consistently rated negatively, look elsewhere.
If you do happen to come across a worthwhile alternative, switching could be the best move forward. That doesn’t require you to do physical installation or tweaks to your home, comment professionals Fantastic Electrician.
Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold This Winter: How to Reduce Electric Bills In The Winter
Knowing how to reduce electric bills in the winter is not necessarily a complicated undertaking. There are many logical steps that you can take. Some of the most targeted have been outlined above, so be sure to refer to this article for future guidance.
Do you have any other questions about lowering your wintertime energy consumption? Are you curious to learn about the benefits of solar panels or would you like to schedule a PAT testing session? From EV charger installation to electrical maintenance and periodic inspections, the team at JKS is only a phone call away. Please contact us if you have grown tired of enduring higher energy costs over the winter
We have more interesting blogs on similar topics such as ‘how to create a smart home‘, ‘how much does it cost to get a house rewired‘, or maybe you want to know ‘do solar panels work when it’s cloudy‘, ‘are solar panels worth it in Ireland‘, ‘are all electric car chargers the same‘ or ‘how much does it cost to charge an electric car‘. If so, read the blogs and find out from our experts at JK Services.