How To Lower Energy Bills At Home

Since 2021, rocketing energy prices have seen the biggest price increases in years. With previous headlines stating a terrifying 50% increase in energy prices in some countries. Clearly, something must be done. We all need to do everything we can to become more energy efficient and subsequently, lower our energy bills.

Gas is being phased out in many countries in years to come and the emphasis is now focussed on renewable power. The time for change is upon us and we all need to get onboard.

WHY DO ENERGY BILLS INCREASE? 

The pressure and demand on supplies affect the price of your energy bills. Over the last couple of years, a cold European winter in 2021 put that pressure on the supply chain and unfortunately, the stored gas levels are much lower than normal. When combined with increased demand from Asia, and China in particular. It has really put the pressure on, and more importantly, resulted in the prices going up.

Germany currently sits at the top of the ‘highest electricity cost’ list at 0.37 dollars per kilowatt (December 2020). The UK sits in 9th position, with Australia following closely in 12th place. 

Although the price hikes and crisis are hitting the UK and Europe, high electricity prices are an issue globally. The world is adapting with better low energy products and education in relation to saving energy, however, there is still more you can do.

WHAT IS ENERGY EFFICIENCY?

You may think that’s a simple question and in many ways you’re correct. However, how many people know what it is but do little about it?

Is it because we don’t care? Can’t be bothered, or are we simply happy to pay more than we need to for energy? Using less energy resources doesn’t mean we need to be wrapped in layers of clothing with no heating to save money.

Energy Efficiency is the process of using the same items and performing the same tasks but with lower energy usage. It is a process of replacing or upgrading areas that are high in energy consumption to an efficient alternative. You can also upgrade or improve certain aspects of your homes to achieve this. 

We can all make simple changes to how we live. Most of these are barely noticeable. Once you get into the habit of making changes, you won’t go back. Especially not when your bills start lowering.

WHAT USES ENERGY IN MY HOME?

There are a lot of factors in your home that can impact your energy efficiency and increase your bills. These include: 

Electrical Devices 

All your electrical devices and appliances use energy. If it’s plugged in or on standby, it’s costing you money. How many of us leave phone chargers, lamps, game consoles or TVs permanently plugged in?  The simple thing is to turn off and unplug if not in use. It’s safer too!

Lighting 

Lighting is one of the easiest electricity upgrades we can make. Changing from old incandescent or Halogen bulbs to LEDs can make a huge difference. It is predicted that you can save up to $16 per bulb. With average households containing over 20, it soon adds up. A small initial cost that will pay for itself time after time.

Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling are a big deal when it comes to using energy. Turning the heating down a degree or two or increasing the Air Conditioning temperature slightly will make a difference. You may not notice the temperature change, but we guarantee you’ll notice the savings on your bills.

Increase Home Insulation

A home lacking sufficient Insulation is such a big drain on your pocket. So many countries have grants or incentives that you can take advantage of to help subsidise, or in some cases, fully pay for the work.

Losing heat through an inadequately insulated roof, floor or wall can be easily rectified with little outlay. The savings will surprise you. 

Water Usage 

Many countries already have a water shortage. Many assume we can turn on the tap and receive an endless supply. Because of water shortages, it may not always be the case. Ageing infrastructure and climate change, combined with excessive use and a growing population, have us heading for supply issues.  

There are so many ways to save water, and they’re easy, too. Don’t leave a tap running whilst brushing your teeth, or use a dual flush cistern. A shorter shower or reusing wastewater to water the garden are all great ways to save water and save cash. If you have a dishwasher, ensure it’s full before beginning a cycle. If it has an ECO mode, even better! 

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT?

• Get an updated EPC rating, these last for 10 years but can tell you what improvements can be made
• Turn it off. If you aren’t in a room, turn off the light, electronics or appliances
• Use energy-saving light bulbs
• Don’t waste water. Good for the planet and your pocket.
• Use the ECO function or wash your clothes at 30 degrees or less
• Get insulated – Cheap and extremely effective.
• Drop a degree for heating & increase a degree for cooling.
• Upgrade old windows and doors
• Draught proofing 
• Solar Battery Solutions to store excess energy for when you need it 

We can’t stop your energy providers from increasing the cost of electricity but we can help you become less reliant on their power and help to make your home more energy efficient.

Taking an even bigger step toward self-reliance and sustainability allows us to produce our own electricity. All the steps above are just as important, if not more so when you take control of your energy production. Completely so with off-grid properties. You’ll want to get the best out of your renewable energy source.

SOLAR SOLUTIONS TO DECREASE ENERGY BILLS

Here at Soltaro, we are all about Energy Storage. Using Solar PV to harness the sun’s limitless energy and storing the excess for use later in the day. You can even charge your battery from the grid, utilising lower tariffs. Using the stored energy to power your home through peak tariff times or when the sun goes in. 

By utilising Solar plus storage, you are maximising your Solar PV system. The battery will help to combat those rising bills and if used in conjunction with some of our energy-saving measures above. Your stored battery power will last even longer. Less reliance on the grid and lower bills.  

When we talk about making our homes more energy efficient, we need to think about how we use energy. This problem will become more important in years to come. As infrastructures age and resources lessen, we’ll all need to become more aware of what we use and how we use it.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

The good news is there is much more you can do. You can easily reduce the impact of rising energy prices by utilising renewable energy. From heat pumps to biofuel, there is a solution to suit your lifestyle and needs.

Not forgetting Smart technology. Using apps and Wi-Fi to control your devices and utilise cheaper power or keep track of how you use energy.

One of the easiest additions to a home or business is Solar PV. Not only can you harness free daytime electricity when the sun shines. But, if you add on a combined battery such as the Soltaro AIO2, then your reliance on the grid is dramatically reduced as you can store the excess electricity and use it later in the day or night.

Conclusion 

It all comes down to choice and budget. A little investment upfront can prove invaluable over its lifetime, saving hundreds of pounds each year. The good news is that there are many ways to reduce your bills. Some require a little investment upfront. Some, like lowering your thermostat a degree or using the ECO cycle on your dishwasher, don’t. 

See How Soltaro Can Help Reduce Your Energy Bills

If you’d like to find out more about Soltaro solar energy storage solutions and what solar plus storage products and solutions can do for you, please get in touch with our expert team. We work globally but have dedicated regional teams to ensure you get the personalised service for your home or business.