Life without electricity can be boring. It is an important aspect of modern life. There are several uses of electricity. From running fans to cooking, you need electricity to make life easier. However, electricity costs money. Without proper management, you may end up paying huge bills, which can make your home or business unsustainable. Choose the right supplier. Compare business energy. Don’t make the following mistakes if you want to keep the bills low.
Not Addressing Electricity Leaks
Electricity leaks can cause your business huge losses. As a homeowner or business manager, it’s important to identify these leaks and institute the right measures to reduce them. Start by switching the mains off. Then observe the meter. Is it moving? If yes, then there is a leak somewhere.
A moving meter indicates that something is not right. For instance, it could be caused by a damaged meter, poorly connected wires, or a faulty wiring system. Call an electrician for a more detailed review. Don’t try to fix the issue if you are not skilled in matters of electricity.
Don’t Use Hot Shower To Wash Clothes
Minimize your hot water usage. Washing your clothes with hot water can consume a lot of energy. So, if you want to lower your utility costs, consider using cold water. This won’t only reduce your energy bills but it will also help in protecting your clothes.
Don’t use A Dryer To Dry Your Clothes
Let your clothes dry naturally. You don’t always have to dry your clothes with an electronic dryer. Allow them to dry naturally on the balcony or in your spare room.
Poor Fridge Position
Position your fridge at least two inches from the wall. This will ensure that there’s efficient air circulation around it. Plus, it will enhance its power efficiency. Exposing your fridge to direct sunlight can cause it to draw more power.
Failing To Clean the Air Filters
Upgrade your HVAC system. An inefficient air conditioning unit can quickly inflate your energy bills. And this commonly occurs due to dirty filters. When the filters capture dust, dirt, and other pollutants, your HVAC system will be forced to work harder. So, be sure to get them cleaned regularly to reduce energy costs.
Not Using Energy Efficient Bulbs
As much as incandescent bulbs might look like a cheaper option, they’re the heaviest consumers of energy. They consume eighty percent more energy than LEDs and CFLs. Thus, if you’re looking for an effective way to reduce your energy bills, consider investing in LEDs. They’re affordable, efficient, and long-lasting.
Standby Power
Turn off the main switch. Don’t just switch off your TV and other appliances with the remote control. Instead, switch off the main switch as well. Leaving your appliances in standby mode can significantly increase your energy consumption.
Using Energy-inefficient Appliances
Different appliances come with different energy efficiencies. Thus, don’t purchase any appliances. Research and identify energy-efficient appliances. Ask the brand about the efficiency of the product. Read the technical specifications of that product.
Replace all your old appliances with energy-efficient ones. Start with the dishwasher. Bring in an energy-efficient washing machine. Install tech-controlled irrigation machines. Ask your water supplier about popular energy-saving appliance options out there.
With energy-efficient appliances, you can save water, cut down on utility bills, and reduce overhead costs. Pass the cost saved to your customers and improve your brand’s visibility. Plus, modern customers like associating themselves with environment-conscious brands.
Failing To Conduct Energy Audits
The main purpose of an energy audit is to identify wastage areas and propose saving solutions. An audit will also identify billing errors, helping you save money. Not carrying out audits is a mistake.
Use an audit to identify leaks. Use it to correct billing errors. Use an energy audit to replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones.
Not Addressing Billing Errors
Don’t ignore energy billing errors. They can cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars. Identify these errors. Correct them. Talk with your energy supplier. Ask your supplier to correct these errors. Apply for a refund. Ensure that you are placed in the correct tariff. Ensure that the billing dates are correct.
Choosing An Expensive Supplier
You don’t have to stick with an expensive supplier. Remember, there are several suppliers on the market. There is no need of overpaying. Thus, if you notice that you are paying too much, consult with experts. Talk to your supplier about your grievances.
If your supplier is not willing to adjust the rates, switch to a better option. Compare prices. Conduct your research. Use an online tool to compare rates from different suppliers. Choose a supplier who cares about you.
Not Leveraging On Rainwater
Rainwater can help you cut your water usage. During the rainy season, you don’t have to use tap water. Collect rainwater and use it on your lawn and plants. Use big tanks to collect the water. Install gutters for easy water collection.
Watering Plants At The Wrong Time
According to experts, plants should be watered during the morning and evening. Watering plants during the day will waste water. This is because high temperatures will lead to increased evaporation and loss of water.
Ideally, water your plants from 5-10 am. During the evening, you can water your plants from 5 pm onwards.
Not Hiring An Utility Manager
As a company, you need a reliable water utility manager. Among other things, a utility manager will monitor water and energy usage in your organization. He/she will be responsible for rolling out energy-saving measures. Hire an experienced utility manager. Equip his/her office with the right resources and equipment. At the end of the day, you will save energy with a utility manager.
The Bottom-Line
Don’t ignore electricity leaks. Fix broken circuits. Carry out regular energy audits. Don’t use hot water to wash your clothes. Avoid running your washing machines when the load is half. Only purchase the right, energy-efficient appliances. Remember, keeping utility bills down entails simple measures. Avoid the above mistakes if you want to keep your utility bills low.
