With the cost of living going up, we’re all trying to find small ways to stretch our paychecks. While trimming unnecessary expenses or updating your budget are both valid and helpful ways to keep a bit more money in the bank, utilities are one place where many people feel trapped. After all, we can’t live without electricity or water, can we? But did you know there are ways to trim your electricity bill that won’t make you feel strapped for comfort?

Controlling your electric bill

When people get their electrical bill, they may wonder how the usage (and the cost) got so high. This is when the top electricians in Clearwater can become invaluable assets. By employing the services of an electrician you trust, here are 5 ways you can reduce your energy bill:

1. Get an annual inspection

When we first move into a home, we usually get an electrical inspection to spot any issues that might need addressing. What we often forget is that deterioration still occurs while you live in the home. Instead of only contacting an electrician when something goes wrong, consider getting them to come to inspect your home on an annual basis to find things that are wasting energy. From exhaust fans clogged with dust to appliances operating inefficiently, to deteriorating wiring that can pose a risk to your home: you’d be surprised what an electrician can uncover.

2. Get on board with energy-efficient lighting

Energy-efficient bulbs have come a long way since they were first introduced. Initially, things like LEDs were prohibitively expensive and only came in a searing, white-blue light.

In Australia, the phasing out of power-hungry incandescent bulbs, coupled with the rise of smart homes, have made LEDs bulbs affordable and able to produce any type of wattage or color on the spectrum. They can even be programmed to track the time of day and match the wattage to the amount of sunlight outside.

If you’re concerned about the initial cost, there are many government programs in place to help cover the cost of switching to energy-efficient lighting.

3. Get energy-efficient appliances

Now, this is a pricey one, but it can help immensely: buy energy-efficient appliances. Older models of ovens, refrigerators, air conditioners, and microwaves use much more power than their newer counterparts. Not to mention that, as appliances age, they become less effective and have to work harder to do the same job.

Since it’s very expensive to buy all new appliances at once, consider replacing them as it becomes necessary and ask your electrician for advice on the most energy-efficient models. Even with modern appliances, the amount of energy used varies widely.

4. Use smart technology

Smart technology has made our lives easier and more comfortable and it can also make them more energy-efficient. You can now connect your lightbulbs, thermostat, and appliances to your wi-fi and control them all from your phone. This allows you to adjust the power being used in your home even when you’re not there. You can also set up schedules so your bulbs will only come on at certain times and that your AC or heat will be turned down at night, or when you leave.

5. Make the most of the sun

In a sun-blessed country like Australia, investing in solar might seem like a no-brainer. However, once you get your solar panels installed, you can still take steps to make your use of solar power the most efficient. For example, try setting timers on your dishwasher or washing machine to run in the middle of the day. If you have a pool, program the pumps to also run in the middle of the day. It’s also worth considering getting a solar battery if you use a lot of energy at night or early in the morning.

You might be pleasantly surprised at the difference a few small changes to your habits can make to your electrical bill.