With electricity bills soaring, Irish households are constantly searching for ways to save energy and therefore save money when it comes to the end of the month.
Some switch energy providers or their tariffs to get cheap deals and rates but those moves come with a warning.
One expert has warned that even on a smart tariff, householders must be careful not to avoid an even higher bill than they had before, while there's a two-hour window you should avoid using two big energy-guzzling appliances.
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While most of us might return from work and immediately put on the dishwasher after dinner, or stick a load into the washing machine in the evening, Eoin Clarke, Energy Expert at Switcher.ie, says this everyday habit is racking up our bill at an alarming rate.
“With many households still worrying whether to heat or eat amid the cost of living crisis, it makes sense to look at ways to save wherever possible.
“A smart meter takes the guesswork out of energy bills, so one way to cut costs is to switch to a smart tariff and change when you use the most energy. Avoid using electricity during peak times between 5pm and 7pm and shift most electricity use between 11pm and 8am.”
“Stick the washing machine, dishwasher and immersion on between these hours and you could see your bills shrink.”
However he urged caution for those switching to a Smart Tarrif to be aware that using these appliances at peak time could land them with a higher bill.
“The downside is you'll be charged a higher rate for using electricity at peak times, which means if you don't change your routines you could get lumbered with a higher bill”, he explained.
And while consumers in the UK have been urged to cut consumption to avoid blackouts, Eoin says we’re not at risk of that in Ireland just yet, adding: “The UK has been incentivising people to cut energy use at peak times to head off blackouts, and although Ireland isn't quite there yet, it pays to be energy conscious and save the cents every way you can."
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