When you have big electricity bills and limited roof space, there are a few things you can do to help reduce your electricity bills and exposure to rising energy costs:
- Energy Efficiency: Start by making your home more energy-efficient. It sounds simple, and it largely is. Invest in energy-efficient appliances and devices, like LED lighting and energy-saving appliances, like air-conditioners, washing machines, dryers and fridges. You can also reduce energy waste by turning off lights and appliances when you’re not using them and properly insulating your home to keep it cool in summer and warm in winter. If you’re using older appliances that consume a lot of electricity, consider upgrading to more energy-efficient models. Look for appliances with an Energy Star label, as they meet strict energy efficiency standards and can help lower your electricity bills in the long run.
- Be Energy Wise: Be mindful of your energy consumption habits. Avoid leaving electronics on standby mode. Use natural light during the day and rely less on artificial lighting. Adjust your thermostat to save energy. Switch off your heating and cooling when you’re not at home.
- Energy Audits: if your bills are really high, consider getting an energy audit of your home. Professionals can assess your energy usage and provide recommendations on how to make your home more energy-efficient. They may suggest improvements like sealing air leaks, adding insulation, installing helmets above curtains or upgrading to energy-efficient windows.
- Off-Peak Energy Usage: if you live in a region that offers Time of Use metering, you can get cheaper electricity during off-peak hours, which are usually late at night through to the early hours of the morning. Take advantage of these lower rates by running your high-energy appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines, during these times. Unless you have solar power, in which case, uses much of your free solar energy during the day as possible (see below).
- Renewable Energy Options: you may be able to fit a small system on the roof. If you decide to go down this path, make sure you opt for super-efficient panels, such as REC. These typically take up less footprint than conventional panels, but they produce more power, particularly on really hot days and in lowlight conditions. If you have limited or no roof space for solar panels, you can explore other renewable energy options. For example, you may be able to get involved in a community solar program, where you can buy into a larger solar installation located elsewhere and derive some benefit.
- Energy-Saving Gadgets: There are various gadgets and devices available that can help you save energy. Smart thermostats, for instance, allow you to control and optimize your heating and cooling systems more efficiently. Energy monitoring devices can help you track your energy usage and identify areas where you can make improvements.
Remember, every small change you make can add up to significant energy savings over time – this is all the more important with electricity prices rising. By being mindful of your energy consumption and implementing energy-saving measures, you can reduce your electricity bills, even with limited roof space for solar panels.
