Article by David Collins
Many of us are now looking at ways in which we could reduce our outgoings. For some, this could be cutting down on spending on luxuries, saving money on fuel by travelling less and considering the relevance of products before purchasing them.
Of these outgoings, the utility bill is one of the most important that we have to pay, for no power means no heat or light. However, with the current economic climate affecting fuel prices, utility prices are prone to fluctuation, and many homeowners find themselves looking to methods of saving money on their bills.
There is a wide range of different energy saving gadgets and gizmos available nowadays, whether they’re for keeping tabs on your energy consumption, saving power on certain appliances or saving money on their energy supplies.
- Dryer balls – can help save money on your electricity bills. The balls work by heating within the tumble dryer and help to separate the clothes as they tumble within the drum, allowing for the performance of a full cycle to be accomplished in half the time.
- Energy monitors – these handy little devices can help you keep track of how much energy your household is consuming, some of which use a colour code system – so if it’s red you know you’re using too much energy. By investing in one of these devices you could help keep yourself aware as to your spending habits and make changes accordingly.
- Home turbine kits – many are now turning to generating their own power using the power of nature. This power is stored within a small generator, and can be fed back into the power supply of your property to help save money on your electric bills.
- Similarly, solar panels are also popular with those who are looking to save money on their bills. Even one panel on your roof can help feed some additional power back into your household and help reduce your costs.
- Composting can help to reduce your costs as well, and can also help to provide a useful, and cheaper fertilizer for your plants. Kits are available from your local council, but can also be purchased at garden centres.
Making small changes to your energy usage can make a big difference to your bills. By taking care not to leave equipment on when you’re not using it, switching off your TV standby button and even spending a little on repairing leaky taps and pipes can help to reduce your utility bills.
Many are also considering the cost of their utility plans and are choosing to switch providers in order to save money. Research is crucial in ensuring that you get the best deal, so it’s best to shop around for quotes on gas and electricity plans before committing to a deal.