Despite the fact that spring is officially coming in a little over a month, we still feel the cold winter days, and judging by the weather forecasts, it will stay that way in the upcoming period. If a lower energy bill is on the top of the list of reasons to look forward to warm spring days, here are some tips to help you reduce your last month’s bill this calendar winter.
Avoid washing dishes by hand
Hand washing dishes require a lot of warm water and, therefore, a lot of energy. This is especially important when there is a large number of dishes. On the other hand, most dishwashers today have energy-efficient settings, which most often allow you to wash large quantities of dishes with less water and energy.
Turn off the drying option in the dishwasher
Most of the energy consumed by your dishwasher is used to heat water. When it comes to the process of drying the dishes, it operates on the principle of hot air, which turns the water drops on the dishes into steam. This speeds up drying, both saving you time and eliminating the extra effort of wiping the excess water with a cloth. Even though, on the one hand, this may seem to save you time, in the long run, drying is just an additional expense. Instead, try turning off the drying option and leaving the dishwasher door partially open after it finishes washing and waits for them to dry on their own before removing them from the machine. This way, you will not waste time wiping the dishes, nor will you spend extra energy/money drying it.
Save energy by washing clothes in cold water
A lot of energy is used in the process of washing clothes, and there are several ways to make them more efficient. One of the best methods to do this is to reduce the water temperature you are using. For your washing machine to use hot water, it needs first to heat it, which, again, requires electricity. Using cold water will reduce the amount of energy consumed while still ensuring the efficient washing of your laundry.
Wash only full loads
A washing machine, as well as a dishwasher, are some of the more significant electricity consumers in your home. One effective tactic to save energy is to wash only full loads because washing a partially full machine consumes the same amount of water as washing a full one.
Use cheap electricity terms
Most households operate on the principle of higher and lower tariff rates, or as the general public calls them a period of cheap and expensive electricity. If you use this type of consumption is your home, adjust your plans to the schedule of low-cost electricity by starting the washing machine and the dishwasher, heating the water in the boiler, or vacuuming at the periods when electricity is cheaper. This way, you can make a significant contribution to reducing your energy bills.