The same processes and cuts you use to save money on energy in a house are the same ones you need to save money in an apartment. You’ll apply the same principles to save money on utilities, particularly your broadband choices and telephone providers. Typically, you want to focus on reducing lighting and water usage. Additionally, you should get smart and efficient means of heating your home or apartment. In doing this, you’ll be able to save money on utility bills.

Below is an in-depth look at how you can make savings!

#1. Audit Your Electricity Usage

The first step to making energy savings and adopting an electricity-saving lifestyle is to audit the current situation as it stands regarding how much electricity you use. For your audit, you can download an auditing app, use an online auditing tool, or hire a professional to conduct the audit for you if you want more accuracy. With the final electricity audit report in hand, you are better placed to identify potential areas to make energy savings.

#2. Switch Energy Providers

One of the fastest means of making serious savings on your energy bill is to switch from your current energy supplier to a cheaper one. Shop around for more affordable tariffs. In doing this, you could save hundreds of euros on your monthly bill. The best approach is to use a price comparison website that lists all the suppliers and their prices. Using the comparison website, choose the best offer available.

Furthermore, opt for a digital account, which allows you to manage your monthly bills via online platforms. You can use your digital account to ensure you’re on the best energy plan on the market. Additionally, a digital account is much cheaper than traditional paper bills. Energy companies tend to charge you for physical bills. Finally, ensure you send your energy provider meter readings for accurate billing.

#3. Control Your Lighting

While it might sound cliché, you must remember to turn all your lights off when leaving room to reduce the electricity bill. But switching off the lights is not enough. You can do more and go further to make serious energy savings. For instance, consider replacing old lightbulbs with energy-efficient Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

CFL lightbulbs are costlier than standard lightbulbs. However, using the bulbs for about 9 months will help you recuperate the losses in energy. After the 9 months, any savings you make are profits. However, you can get even better results by switching to LEDs. LED bulbs are about 75% to 85% more energy efficient than the traditional bulb. Additionally, they last about 15 to 25% longer, leading to more significant savings.

#4. Reduce Hot Water Usage

The need for hot water is among the most energy-intensive uses of electricity in homes. However, you can also make savings in this area as well. Start by getting the basics right; don’t let hot water run while brushing your teeth, and fix dripping taps. Thereafter, go even further to reduce water usage.

Get everyone in your household to reduce the length of their showers. Heating water is energy-intensive, which raises your energy bills. However, by cutting your shower town by just 2 minutes, you can reduce water usage by as much as 23 liters for every shower. Annually, the annual saving translates to 8400 liters savings in hot water. As such, you can save a lot on your energy bills and reduce the environmental impact you cause.

You should consider replacing your existing showerheads with new, more energy-efficient showerheads. An energy-efficient showerhead restricts water flow while making it seem like you’re showering under a regular dripping shower. While an energy-efficient showerhead has a flow rate below 2.5gpm, you’ll not notice the reduced water flow.

Finally, you can reduce your energy bill by reducing the water heater temperature. The vast majority of water heaters automatically heat water to 60°C (140°F). However, this temperature is much higher than necessary. You can comfortably use hot water at 50°C (120°F). This will reduce your energy usage since it costs less to heat water to 50°C compared to 60°C. Additionally, you’ll reduce your energy usage when keeping hot water on standby.

#5. Beware Of Electric Devices Usage

We tend to leave electric devices on standby rather than switching them, which increases our energy consumption over time. To counter this invests in a smart strip and power your remote-controlled electronics from it. A smart strip automatically turns off all your devices when they’re not in use.

#6. Configure Your Thermostat For Energy Efficiency

Keeping your home warm and comfortable is another energy-intensive process. That said, you can reduce electricity usage by configuring your thermostat for energy efficiency. For instance, lowering the thermostat temperature by about 2 degrees can increase your energy savings by as much as 5%. Lower the temperature by 5 degrees, and you can increase energy savings by as much as 10%.

To make the process of setting temperatures easier, invest in a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats automatically adjust your desired temperature.

You should also ensure you’ve installed the thermostat in an ideal location. Avoid placing the thermostat where it’s exposed to direct sunlight or where it’s exposed to draft. The temperature fluctuations caused by breeze and sunlight can cause an increased energy efficiency.

Instead, install the thermostat on the interior wall approximately at the center of the house. Ensure it’s away from direct windows, hallways, doors, kitchen, or sunlight.

#7. Alter Your Laundry Routine

There are several ways you can save on energy bills by changing how you do laundry:

- Always wait until you can run the machine on full load. Running your washing machine a full spin cycle to wash a few shirts and socks only increases your energy bill.

- Run your washing machine while using cooler water as it lowers or does away with the costs associated with hot water.

- Air dry your clothes rather than tumbler drying your clothes

#8. Regulate The Temperature In Your Fridge

You use more energy to achieve extremely cold temperatures in freezers and fridges. Set the temperature in your fridge between 1.5°C (35°F) and 3°C (37°F). For your freezer, the ideal temperature is about -18°C (-0.4°F). These temperatures will ensure your food remains fresh and reduce your energy bill.