Utility bills can take up a significant proportion of any household’s budget. It is therefore a noble idea to work out means of lowering your utility bill. This is an important step towards saving for the future or for other items that you might need. Here are some tips to save on utility bills:
Turn the computer off: Computers are amazing devices that have a countless of applications that we can use while we’re sitting in front of them. It’s really hard to use the home computer while at work or out running errands, so turn it off or put it to sleep.
Make use of your blankets: In the harmattan or rainy season, turn the thermostat down to the point where you need to bring out the blankets. Humans are quite adaptable to their environments.
Make use of ceiling or standing fan in dry season: Ceiling fans don’t use as much power as flipping on the air conditioner. They are mesmerizing to watch, going round and round, providing seconds or even minutes of cheap entertainment.
Wash full loads of laundry in cold water: It doesn’t take as much power to use cold water when compared to hot. You don’t need to draw on the hot water heater, nor does the quality of washing diminish. There’s no extra effort on your part to save a little cash, either.
Unplug the devices not being used: Even when powered off, most electric gadgets (TVs, stereo systems, phone chargers, etc) consume some energy. Even though it might seem insignificant, this energy can add up in the long run. It is a good idea to completely unplug them from the power outlet, or use an extension cable with a switch that you can always power off so there is no energy going to any device.
Light: You should not leave the lights on in a room that is not being occupied. This is total waste. The switches are conveniently placed by the door to turn them back on again when needed. Make sure that they’re off when leaving the house, because your furniture doesn’t need to see in the dark.
Buy energy efficient appliances. Older appliances tend to consumer more energy than the newer ones, some of which are designed to be energy efficient. Consider investing in them and they will pay for themselves in the long run. The same goes for fluorescent bulbs; they last longer, use less energy and generate heat, thus saving you money on electricity.
For a fundamental approach to saving on the utility bills, try having a ‘no power’ day and shut off the breakers to the whole house (with the exception of the fridge and freezer). Use candles or rechargeable lanterns or torch to light your way, and rely on something other than a television or a computer for your entertainment.
These are just a few of the steps that can be taken to lowering the utility bills. For every way that there is to SPEND money on the bills, there’s a way to SAVE it. Experiment and use some common sense and you’ll be saving money on your bills in no time.
TIAMIYU ADIO ISMAIL
