The cost of living in Ireland is a constant topic of conversation as many areas of life increase in price from household bills to filling the car and grocery shopping.
Although the government recently brought it a number of supports, many have hit out saying they won’t do much to offset the rising costs.
One of the main areas where people are feeling the pressure is in meeting household energy costs.
READ MORE: Energia customers to see bills increase by 15% from next month
Now that the summer months are approaching and warmer, sunnier weather is coming our way, there are certain things homeowners can do to cut their bills by hundreds.
Eoin Clarke, Managing Director of Switcher.ie has shared his top tips to dial down energy bills this Spring/ Summer and they’re doable no matter where you live.
Mr Clarke said: “As temperatures lift in Spring, we usually breathe a sigh of relief that our heating costs will drop. This year feels different, with the cost of living crisis walloping households.
“However, there are still some simple ways we can save energy."
Turn off appliances - cut up to 20% off your electricity bills by turning off your TV, consoles, and laptops at the plug when you aren't using them. Appliances left on standby drain electricity.
Keep it cool - On hot days, keep your curtains shut to stop the sun from heating rooms rather than use a fan which costs more money. Avoid air conditioning. It's eye-watering expensive to run.
Dry clothes outside - Tumble dryers are often the most energy greedy appliances in our homes, so use them sparingly. Make the most of the good weather and dry your clothes outside whenever you can.
Launder at lower temps - Wash your clothes at a lower temperature. Washing at 30°C uses 38% less energy than washing at 40°C, cutting your washing costs over time.
Take a shower - If you are fond of long, deep baths or power showers, you're probably using more energy than you need to heat the water. Shorten your shower time and dial down the pressure.
Cook efficiently - Don't use more heat or water than you need to cook or make a cuppa. Invest in a slow cooker for energy-efficient family meals or a cheap microwave to reheat ready meals for one.
De-ice your fridge and freezer - Set your fridge temperature between 3 and 5°C and your freezer at -18 °C. Defrost your freezer regularly so there is no build-up of ice which makes your freezer work harder.
Get help with your bills - If you're on benefits or a pension, you may be able to get help with your energy bills, so check if you're eligible for assistance.
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