Many households are struggling financially at the moment, and it can be hard to balance the monthly budget. Energy bills have been on the increase for some time, and this is an area where you can make good savings with a little effort. Electricity costs are one of the main expenses of running a modern home. Heating and cooling a home and running televisions and other electrical equipment can take as much as thirty percent of a household budget.

Many people aren’t even aware of their household’s energy consumption. A few simple steps can make your home more energy efficient and slash your monthly bills. As well as saving money, reducing you electricity use is a major step forwards for a greener lifestyle.

The following six tips could reduce your energy bills by a third.

1)      Switch off lights when you don’t need them.

Having access to light at the flick of a switch has made people lazy. Many homes use valuable electricity to light empty rooms. Get your whole family to think about whether they need to have lights switched on in a room, and encourage them to get into the habit of switching off when they leave a room.

2)      Switch to low-energy lightbulbs.

Compact fluorescent lamps are far more energy efficient than traditional lightbulbs. They can cost a little more to buy, but last around ten times longer than incandescent lamps. The initial investment is soon recovered in reduced home energy bills.

3)      Switch energy supplier.

Competition in the market means that suppliers need to offer attractive rates to attract and retain customers. Companies like Texas electricity providers can help you to compare prices and get the best deal on your energy supply. Switching supplier is easy, and the work is usually done for you by the new company.

4)      Turn off appliances and gadgets when you aren’t using them.

Televisions, computers and other devices all add to your overall energy consumption. Leaving them switched on permanently is just a habit, so think about smarter ways to use all the electrical items around your home. Plasma televisions and large computer monitors are particularly high energy users.

5)      Turn down your thermostat.

Turning down the thermostat on your home heating system by one or two degrees is barely noticeable, but it can save a lot of money over a year. Don’t waste energy heating empty rooms or keeping temperatures high when your family aren’t at home. If you use a dishwasher, select a lower washing temperature for further energy savings. These little changes can all add up to big reductions in your bills.

6)      Improve your home’s insulation.

A few simple changes can help to keep your home at a more constant temperature and reduce the need for heating and cooling. Check the insulation in your attic or roof space, as this is usually the area where heat will escape. Gaps around doors and window frames can be the source of draughts, and are easily sealed. Take expert advice if you aren’t sure about the best ways to improve your home’s insulation.

Jason Persinger is proud home owner and one-time self-employed electrician. He enjoys finding time to write freelance articles on home improvement and savings when not exercising and running with dog, Wilkie.