6 clever ways for seniors to reduce their power bill
There’s nothing like a power bill to take the wind out of your sails. The problem is a lot of seniors are probably paying more than they actually have to. We’re going to run through a few clever ways seniors can reduce their power bill, all year round.
Follow these tips and you’ll be able to save a mint.
1. Get to know your power bill
When it comes to saving on power, your bill can actually be your best friend. Don’t just look at the total charges though, examine the document closely. Using your power bill and the Government’s power benchmark resource can help you figure out how your usage compares to others in similar homes around the country, and the areas in which you can save.
2. Keep your records and crunch the numbers
It’s going to be tough to notice a certain spike in a bill if you don’t have your records in order, so keep old bills and compare them to your latest usage. This will give you an opportunity to identify any areas where you are potentially paying too much.
3. Consider replacing or upgrading old appliances
Appliances are constantly getting more efficient and effective, so while it might be initially expensive to replace an appliance, upgrading your electronics and whitegoods can be a great way to save quite a bit over time. And when a product is at the end of its lifespan, always consider the most energy efficient options you have at your disposal.
4. Think about ways you can change your personal habits
Sometimes something as simple as putting on a jumper instead of reaching for the thermostat or heading for a window instead of switching on the air conditioning can make a big difference. Making some small scale changes to your personal habits like making that extra effort to close doors and switch off lights can make a huge difference.
5. Consider a home sustainability assessment
If you’ve tried everything and can’t get your usage down, it might be time to call in a professional. A home sustainability assessment can help you identify where you can make the biggest energy savings in your home and tailor a plan for your home. The Australian Building Sustainability Association has a list of accredited assessors here.
6. Shop around for a better deal
Just because your power bill is the one you’ve already had, doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. Have a look around to see the offers that are being made by other suppliers. That being said, it’s important to be wary that contracts often have a termination fee, so keep that in mind if you’re thinking of getting your power from someone else.
Do you take any of these power saving measures to save money? Are there any other additional measures that you’d suggest? Let us know in the comments below.
Related links:
10 ways to keep energy bills down in winter
Aussie households feel the pinch in power price hike
NSW seniors to receive access to discounted energy rates