How to Save on Home Electricity Bills

The average Canadian household spends approximately $210 monthly on energy. This can be pricey when you factor in all other monthly expenses: rent, mortgages, school tuition, childcare fees, transportation, and all additional living costs.

Luckily, there are a number of ways to save on utility bills. As a homeowner, there are many things you can do to reduce your electric bill significantly.

What Is the Cheapest Time of Day to Use Electricity?

The cheapest period of the day during which to use electricity depends on the type of tariff you are on. For example, some energy providers charge less for electricity usage at certain times of day or night. This is because these hours tend to be quieter periods when power usage is at its lowest - for example, 8 am and 10 pm. This charging approach is called the time of use tariffs.

The amount you will be charged depends on the time of the day you use electricity. However, most energy suppliers charge a flat rate for electricity, which means that it always costs the same. So, no matter when you turn on the washing machine or dishwasher, the cost will remain constant.

What Increases Your Electric Bill the Most?

• Appliances Draining Power

  One of the primary reasons your electric bill payment may be high is that you most likely leave your electronics or appliances plugged in whether you are using them or not. Most modern devices and gadgets consume electricity even when turned off.

  When you switch off your computer, DVR, or television, it transitions to a standby mode rather than turning off so that it can be turned back on faster. However, the problem with these devices is that they are sitting idle, drawing electricity out of your home while waiting for you to turn them back on or waiting for a scheduled task to run.

• Not Using Light Bulb and Ceiling Fans Strategically

  Every household needs lighting, be it stylish fixtures, recessed lighting, or lamps. However, there is a way to avoid unnecessary electric usage by being strategic about the lighting in your home. There are several types of a lightbulb: halogen bulbs, incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs, and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.

  All these bulbs consume different amounts of energy. If you are trying to reduce your power usage, then go for LED bulbs, since they emit light in a specific direction, thereby using a lower amount of power than Incandescent light bulbs, which heat in all directions.

  While ceiling lights create a bright room, they could still be more strategic and efficient. For example, if you only need light in the corner of a room, consider trying lamps instead, as ceiling lights waste electricity. You can also consider using natural sunlight during the day, which will save you money.

• Older and Less-Efficient Appliances

  It is common knowledge that older appliances are less efficient compared to new ones, which affects your energy bill. Consider recycling or donating these old electronics rather than keeping them to save you valuable money on your monthly bills.

Top Tips to Reduce Your Home’s Electricity Bills

• Adjust Your Thermostat

  Remember to turn down your thermostat before you leave your home for the day or go out for an extended period. You can also consider lowering your thermostat and cuddling up in a fuzzy blanket or a cozy sweater while staying in as well.

• Change Your Laundry Routine

  Another way to save power in your home is to change your laundry routine. For example, you can choose the cold-water setting on your washer for up to a 70% reduction in your appliances’ electricity use. You can also choose not to use your dryer and try a drying rack when the heat’s on inside, or a clothesline if you have the space.

• Limit the Use of Air Conditioners

  Avoid using your air conditioner between 11 a.m. and 5 pm if you can, as this is the time of the day when electricity prices are on-peak, especially in the summer. However, you can improvise by running a ceiling fan in a counter-clockwise direction to circulate cool air.

If you are intentionally saving on your home electricity bills, take some time to go around your house and note the appliances that consume the most power. Disconnecting what is not in use could save energy and some of your monthly power expenses.

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How Home Renovation Can Save You Money

Home improvement can help you save a lot on energy bills - more importantly, it can help enhance your home’s performance. For instance, upgrading your home’s windows and doors can help maintain and control temperature consistency. This way, you do not need to operate your HVAC systems quite as often, which ultimately saves you money.

• Use LED Lightning

  Lighting accounts for about one-third of your home’s electricity bill; switching to LED lights can help you cut this down considerably. More importantly, LED lightbulbs have a longer lifespan, lasting up to 50,000 hours.

• Start Using Energy-Efficient Appliances

  Which of your appliances is consuming the most energy? Identify and swap them for an energy-conserving alternative. Consider updating old appliances to better, more efficient models.

• Install New Windows & Doors

  Apart from switching to LED lighting and swapping your energy-consuming appliances, installing new windows and doors is a smart investment that can help you save significantly on your annual energy bills.

  Beyond improving your home’s value, new windows and doors can help you save money on cooling and heating costs, ensuring the quality of air in your home isn’t impaired.

When deciding to take on a home renovation project, consult experts to help make sure everything goes smoothly and leaves you with the results you deserve.

At Canadian Choice Windows & Doors, our team of experts has a wealth of experience in serving homeowners across Canada, installing high-end, energy-efficient windows and doors that are sure to help you save on your energy bills. Reach out to a member of our team today to get started on the window and door upgrade you’ve been dreaming of.