Energy Saving Tips: How To Save Energy In Your Home With Solar Energy

Energy costs continue to rise, the more you use electricity. The average rate of home energy consumption will continue to rise as people continue to get more gadgets and devices designed to make life more convenient and comfortable. 

However, if you are looking to reduce your energy bill, there are a few practical steps you can use to make this happen. In fact, a few small changes here and there can actually create significant energy savings, and with it, reduce your electricity bills. 

To find out more about how to reduce your energy bill, as well as how to use solar energy to produce bigger energy savings, read on below. 

Ways To Save Energy At Home

The Living Room:

• Stereos, TVs, computers, gaming consoles and DVD players all continue to draw power even when they are on standby mode. Prevent this by making a habit of switching them off at the wall. To make your work easier, use a power board that allows you to switch off the power to multiple appliances from one place. 
• You should also switch to more energy-efficient lighting. And, only use the lights you need instead of turning all of them on.   

The Kitchen:

• For starters, to save energy in the kitchen, you should only buy/use appliances that have the best energy star ratings.
• When preparing food, always remember to thaw it in the refrigerator first to reduce the amount it takes to cook. It is also worthwhile to remember that your microwave oven consumes less energy than a normal oven. However, if you do decide to use a stovetop, be sure to keep the lids on the pots throughout, as it reduces cooking time and the energy used. 
• Only use the dishwasher when it has a full load, and run it on economy mode during daily use. 
• Choose a cool and well-ventilated spot for your fridge. Set the freezer temperature to between -15 and -18 degrees and the fridge to between 4 and 5 degrees.      

Cooling And Heating:

• To reduce the amount of energy you use to cool or heat your home, start by ensuring that your air conditioner is running optimally through regular maintenance. You can also keep the doors to unused rooms closed to reduce the area you need to heat or cool, and also add an extra blanket, hot water bottle or electric blanket in bed instead of heating your bedroom every night.   

Laundry:

• Washing machines also consume a lot of power. You should only run your washing machine when it has a full load. Furthermore, make a habit of using cold water.
• If possible, avoid using the dryer, and dry your clothes off on a clothesline outside. If you are going to use the dryer, make sure that you wring the clothes properly first.    

Outdoors:

• You can improve the energy efficiency of your home by choosing energy-efficient outdoor lighting. Separate the lighting to make it possible for you to choose the areas you want to light.  

How Can Solar Power Help You Save Energy 

• Installing A Solar Power System: If you live in an area that gets a lot of sunshine, you can install a solar power system and use it to reduce your monthly energy bill. By installing residential solar panels on your property, you will be able to produce your own free renewable energy. What’s more, any excess solar power can be exported to the grid in exchange for credits from your utility company, depending on where you live.  
• Using Solar Heaters: You can reduce your energy consumption and save money by installing a solar hot water system on your property. With a solar water heater, you will be able to heat all the water you need using the sun’s free energy. You can also use solar hot water panels to heat your pool’s water.  In addition to heating water using the sun’s energy, you can also heat your home through passive heating. To heat your home during winter using the sun’s rays, just open the curtains on any windows facing the sun.
• Solar Lighting: Consider replacing some of your home’s lighting – especially outdoor lighting – with solar lighting fixtures. Solar light bulbs are as energy efficient, or even more efficient, than regular light bulbs.  
• Solar Chargers And Power Banks: If you want to power your numerous devices and gadgets without increasing your energy bill, consider using solar chargers and power banks. Since these solar chargers are portable, you can even use them while travelling.  
• Drying Clothes Outside: Using a dryer to dry your clothes not only increases your energy bill but also increases the temperature of your home; thus, making your air conditioner work harder during hot weather. Consider drying your clothes on an outdoor clothesline and save a significant amount of energy as a result.  

Final Thoughts 

With the above tips in mind and in practice, you can be able to increase the energy efficiency of your home, and with it, save a lot of money that would have otherwise been spent on energy bills. 

Save Energy With Solar Power  

If you are looking to reduce your energy bills without giving up the many conveniences of modern life, you should seriously consider going solar. At GCR Electrical, we can show you how.

Please contact us today on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.