How to lower your electricity bills this winter

Depending on which part of the country you live in, winters can be anything from mildly pleasant to extremely cold. Thankfully, we have a range of appliances at our disposal that can help us make it through these cold months comfortably. However, using appliances like room heaters and geysers regularly may also translate to a hefty energy bill.

Fret not, there are some tips you can make use of to lower the electricity consumption of commonly used winter appliances. Here’s how to do that with the three most commonly used winter appliances.

How to reduce electricity usage of room heaters

To reduce the energy usage of your room heaters, you can start by changing a few settings on the heater itself. If your heater comes with adjustable wattage, try lowering the wattage down to a level where the heater is capable of keeping the room warm without overusing power.

If your heater comes with a built-in thermostat, you can also reduce the temperature to a lower level to save on some consumption. Also make sure to service your heater before the season for optimal performance.

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You can also check on some elements of the room to make sure heating is as efficient as possible. Check for heat loss through openings like doors, windows, fireplaces, chimneys, etc. Shutting these openings or temporarily covering them can prevent heat loss, making your heater use lesser energy. If you have a humidifier, you can also run it in tandem with the heater for better cooling as humid air tends to feel warmer than dry, winter air.

How to reduce electricity usage of geysers

Geysers or water heaters are relatively simpler appliances to use. Fortunately, all you need to do is use the geyser only when you need to, to ensure the best power saving. Do not leave your geyser on for long hours, as this will force its internal thermostat to automatically turn the device on and off throughout the duration, using more power.

Turn on the geyser only when you require hot water in your bucket or for the shower, and turn it off immediately afterwards. If buying a new geyser this winter, also make sure you’re getting the right sized geyser to avoid over-usage of power. Choosing a model with a better energy rating will also help lower the electricity usage.

How to reduce electricity usage of air conditioners

Air conditioners are also used to warm up bedrooms and living rooms by many. Hot and Cold ACs are useful in providing relief from the winter chills and the summer heats, by simply bringing the temperature to a desired level.

If you have a Hot and Cold AC, the energy saving tips will be similar to that of a conventional AC. Avoid running the appliance all day, use it only when required, and make use of the timer functionality (found on most AC remotes) to automatically turn off the appliance when it is less likely to be used/needed.

Other practices like regular cleaning and servicing of the AC will also help it run more efficiently, reducing your power usage. If that sounds like too much of a hassle, you can also get an annual maintenance plan for your AC that will help with timely checkups and servicing.

Also remember to keep your room as insulated as possible to maximise the efforts of the AC. You can do this by closing any doors, windows, or other openings on the wall. Lastly, new buyers can also consider looking into ACs with a better energy rating for lower bills.

Those are some handy tips to reduce your electricity bill during winters. Keep these pointers in mind while using your room heaters, ACs or geysers, and you should see a drop in your bill the very next month.