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Saving electricity is good for your budget, and good for the planet. There are a few basic things that everyone can do to save on electricity bills and do their bit for the environment.

Don’t leave appliances on standby

If you use the remote to switch the TV on or off, you are leaving it on standby. Other appliances that are often left on standby are DVD players and stereos. Left on standby, your TV uses up to 85 per cent of the energy it would use when it was on. So, to save on electricity, switch the appliance off when you are not using it.

Lighting

Lower power consumption by using energy saving bulbs. They come in all shapes and sizes, and last around ten times longer than ordinary bulbs. In the garden, save on electricity by using solar powered lighting. Solar powered garden lights are very energy efficient, and convenient, as they don’t need electrical cords.

Electric dryers

Avoid using electric dryers as much as you possibly can, as they are the second biggest power  consumption ‘baddie’ in the home, after the fridge. Hang clothes outside to dry whenever the sun is shining, and be sure to invest in a ‘green’ dryer with a good energy rating score (A+ is best) that saves on electricity.

Fridges and freezers

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Where you put your fridge can make a big difference to your power consumption. Keep it out of direct sunlight, and don’t place it next to the oven. Also, always make sure that there are a few inches of free space around your fridge, to allow air to circulate. The biggest tip to save on electricity with your freezer is to defrost it regularly. A freezer full of frost makes the appliance work harder, using more energy.

Start greening your home today by lowering your power consumption. The money that you save will start adding up, and you’ll have a little extra in your pocket as a reward for being good to the environment.