7 ways to use less electricity and save money

7 ways to use less electricity and save money

Being energy-efficient is good for the environment as well as your pockets. The most effective approach is to merge everyday efficiency improvements—such as reducing standby power and using appliances efficiently—with larger measures such as insulation, smart-meter tariffs and energy-efficient heating.  

Therefore, how you use electricity can make a big difference to your bills. That’s why this list of practical ways to save money on your electricity bill may help. 

How to save on electricity bills?  

Here are some strategies that may help you cut pennies on regular energy bills:  

Switch off the appliances on standby 

Many devices continue to consume electricity even when they are in standby mode. Individually, the amount may be small; however, multiple devices operating continuously add to consumption. It increases the overall electricity bill. Here is what you can do:  

Switch off the appliances and devices when they are not in use, especially:  

• Television 

• Microwave 

• Chimney  

• Desktop, computer and monitors 

• Kitchen appliances with displays 

• Speaker and sound system 

Leaving appliances on standby for long periods not only increases energy consumption, but it also impacts functionality.  If your microwave emits smoke, it could be dangerous. Treat it immediately without waiting for the salary day.  

You may seek emergency financial support from government or private loan lenders. It may help you get the money immediately and repair the microwave. Acting quickly may help you save your children and family from serious accidents.  

Note: Switching off appliances may help you save €17-€22 per year collectively.    

Replace old bulbs with LEDs 

LED bulbs typically use less energy than traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs. Moreover, they usually last longer. Identify the areas where you need good lighting. It could be ideal to replace bulbs with LEDs in:  

• Kitchen 

• Living room 

•  Bathroom 

• Home offices 

• Hallways 

• Outdoor security areas 

However, you do not need to replace every bulb immediately. It may only mean unnecessary expenses. Instead, you can replace one after a bulb fails.  

Also, don’t keep the lights on unnecessarily. Always switch off the lights while leaving a room. In frequently occupied areas, motion sensors or timers can help prevent lights being left on, particularly in hallways, storage spaces and outdoor areas. 

Note: Switching a single bulb to LED may help you save 33-50 watts of power. It means you can save €7 to €12.50 per year by replacing just one bulb.  

Use the washing machine efficiently 

Washing machines usually consume a lot of electricity, especially at high temperatures if running for a long time. Warming up the water consumes the most energy.  Here is what you can do:  

• Wash and dry clothes at 30°C where suitable. 

• Use a 20°C cycle for lightly soiled items if you have the specific detergent. 

• Don’t use the machine unless you have a load of clothes. 

• Check and use the eco programme. 

• Don’t pre-wash unnecessarily  

• Check and clean the filter regularly. 

• Always air-dry clothes instead of using a tumble dryer. 

Do not overload the machine, as this can reduce cleaning performance and may increase wear. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate load size. 

Using a washing machine rightly can save about 0.4 to 1.0 kWh (watt-hours/kilowatt-hours) of electricity. It means you can roughly save €0.15 to €0.40 per wash cycle, depending on your settings and electricity tariff. 

Reduce the use of the tumble dryer 

Tumble dryers are often among the highest-consuming appliances. They are convenient during wet weather, but frequent use can increase the electricity costs. 

Some tips may help you reduce dryer consumption. These are:  

• Dry clothes outdoors, especially in sunny weather 

• Use an indoor drying rack in a ventilated room. 

• Spin clothes at a higher speed in the washing machine, if appropriate. 

• Clean the lint filter after use. 

• Don’t put very small loads through a full drying cycle. 

• Use the moisture sensor or automatic programme instead of a fixed long timer. 

• Always separate lightweight and heavy fabrics. 

Improve the dishwasher efficiency  

A dishwasher can be more efficient than washing large quantities of dishes manually. However, its energy usage depends on its operation 

Try to: 

• Run it only when it is full 

• Use the eco cycle mode 

• Avoid pre-rinsing dishes under hot water (frequently) 

• Scrape food into the bin instead of putting it in the dishwasher 

• Select a shorter programme for easy-to-clean dishes 

• Open the door at the end of the cycle. It allows dishes to air-dry 

• Clean the filters and spray arms after use 

If your dishwasher has a heated drying function, disabling it may reduce electricity use. However, drying performance will vary by model. 

Improve cooking efficiency 

Cooking habits make a noticeable difference over time. One must use the right appliance according to the meal. For example:  

• A microwave may use less electricity than a full-size oven for reheating or cooking small portions. 

• An air fryer can be useful for smaller meals, depending on the food and cooking time. 

• A toaster is generally more efficient than using a grill for toast. 

• A slow cooker may be suitable for meals that require several hours of cooking. 

Here are some aspects that you must consider when using an oven: 

• Avoid opening the oven door unnecessarily. 

• Cook several items together (if possible). 

• You can use residual heat to finish cooking. 

• Keep the oven clean. It works that way effectively.  

• Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator instead of using an appliance. 

Do not switch an oven off too early for foods requiring precise cooking or food-safety temperatures. 

Always choose energy-friendly appliances 

When replacing an appliance, consider both its purchase price and its lifetime electricity cost. The cheapest model to buy may not be the cheapest to operate. 

Compare: 

• Energy-label rating. 

• Annual kWh consumption. 

• Capacity. 

• Programme duration. 

• Repairability and warranty. 

• Availability of replacement parts. 

• Smart or timer functions. 

Large appliances that deserve particular attention include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers and televisions. 

Note: Replacing the most heavily used or oldest appliances first is usually more practical. 

Bottom line  

These are some practical ways to use less electricity and save money in Ireland. Determine how much electricity you can save by using these measures. It may eventually help you discover more interesting ways to save money on electricity consumption. Switch to LEDs, avoid keeping appliances on standby and check the energy rating before buying any appliance.