How to save energy to reduce electricity bills?

Electricity bills constitute a noteworthy segment of a standard household’s expenditures. As prices persistently climb, the pursuit of effective electricity conservation becomes paramount. This concern takes on added significance for individuals reliant on energy-intensive appliances like resistance heaters or electric water heaters in their daily routines. In this piece, we delve into the impact of diverse devices on electricity consumption and explore strategies to curtail the escalating costs reflected in electricity bills.

What does the electricity bill depend on?

The foundation for calculating your bill hinges on the quantity of energy consumed, measured in kilowatt hours. This figure hinges on the devices’ power ratings and the duration of their operation. To curtail bills, focusing on these two factors is essential. In certain cases, reducing the usage of specific appliances can effectively conserve energy. This might entail operating the washing machine or dishwasher only when they’re fully loaded, or reserving ironing for garments that genuinely require it.

Another key consideration is the energy efficiency classification of purchased electrical appliances. These are assigned consecutive letters of the alphabet, with earlier letters indicating higher energy efficiency. The illustration below showcases the classification systems used prior to November 2020 (left) and the current version (right).

Kettle – be careful with the amount of water

A prudent practice involves being mindful of the amount of water used when boiling a kettle for tea. Boiling the entire kettle’s worth (1.5 liters) of water for a single cup of tea (0.3 liters) extends the appliance’s operation by fivefold, resulting not only in a lengthier wait but also about five times more energy consumption. Notably, a kettle, boasting 1-2 kilowatts of power and employed multiple times daily, can emerge as one of the most energy-intensive devices (approximately 240 kWh annually in a typical household). This equates to an expenditure of around PLN 200. Among household devices, only the refrigerator surpasses this energy consumption (270 kWh). To mitigate electricity bills, a potential approach is to contemplate setting a lower cooling capacity for the refrigerator—provided the stored items remain at a suitable temperature. Similarly, adjustments in the operation of an electric oven and cooker can also contribute to energy savings.

Electric cooker – hob or induction?

Among the mentioned devices, the hob or induction hob plays a prominent role. While they share similarities, a notable efficiency distinction exists between them. This distinction is discernible by standing beside each plate during operation. A traditional heating plate radiates considerable heat in all directions, warming adjacent surfaces and the surrounding air. In contrast, an induction hob doesn’t generate heat but rather heats the pot’s bottom by inducing eddy currents through a magnetic field. This methodology results in minimal heat losses compared to a conventional hob.

Although these devices may possess the same rated power and yield similar cooking durations, their operational timelines diverge significantly. Due to losses, the heating plate cycles on more frequently and for longer periods than the induction hob. The heating plate is decidedly an energy-inefficient choice. Consequently, many individuals opt to substitute it with an induction hob or a gas stove (currently considered the most cost-effective alternative). Prudent energy management while cooking could potentially yield substantial reductions in electricity bills for numerous households.

How to save on electric heating?

Utilizing resistance heaters for room heating ranks among the costliest approaches. Due to this, many individuals seek alternative heating options like gas or coal stoves. Nevertheless, challenges may arise when installing additional heating methods isn’t feasible, or concerns arise about the unpredictable fossil fuel market conditions.

In such instances, exploring energy-efficient solutions remains a prudent course of action. Employing strategies like improving insulation and sealing gaps in windows and doors can substantially reduce heat loss, optimizing the efficiency of resistance heaters. Additionally, adopting smart thermostats that regulate heating based on occupancy and desired temperatures can contribute to energy savings. Embracing these approaches can mitigate the financial burden and uncertainty associated with reliance on resistance heaters.

Heat pump

For homeowners, contemplating the installation of a heat pump could yield significant benefits. Despite its reliance on electricity for operation, a heat pump is substantially more efficient for heating compared to resistance heaters. The underlying principle is straightforward: a heat pump employs electricity not to generate heat but to transfer it from a lower temperature location to a higher temperature area. This dynamic results in a thermal performance coefficient exceeding 1, typically ranging from 3 to 4. Consequently, this translates to electricity savings that are several times greater compared to resistance heating. To gain a deeper understanding of how heat pumps function, delve into the article titled “Heat pumps – how do they work?”

Accumulation stoves – use of cheaper energy

In cases where installing a heat pump isn’t feasible, there are still viable alternatives. One option involves selecting an appropriate electricity tariff from your supplier (further details provided below) and opting for storage heaters. These electrical devices house specialized bricks with high heat capacity. These bricks enable the heaters to accumulate a substantial amount of energy during lower-cost tariff periods, which is then gradually released over time.

Storage heaters are categorized into static and dynamic variants. Static units commence energy release immediately after collection (their power cannot be controlled over time). On the other hand, dynamic heaters permit adjustments to power levels during designated time intervals. When the ventilation circuit is deactivated, these heaters only release about 10-15% of their heating power into the environment. This feature is beneficial when you’re absent from home for specific durations and solely require heating upon returning. In such instances, activating forced air circulation allows the stored heat to be dispensed into the room at a higher power level.

How to save on heating utility water?

In scenarios where an apartment lacks hot water from the network or the possibility of installing a gas stove or exchange heater, electricity serves as the means to heat water. Devices employed for this purpose encompass boilers and flow heaters. The latter, known as tankless or instantaneous water heaters, exhibit efficient energy consumption. However, owing to their operational characteristics, they necessitate relatively high power ratings (starting from 3.5 kW for taps and a minimum of 10 kW for showers). This enables rapid heating of flowing water to the desired temperature. Conversely, the power capacity of single-phase devices is limited to a few kilowatts (typically 6-7 kW) due to constraints linked to cable capacity, protective measures, and connection stipulations. This could pose challenges when installing such units.

Boiler – silent thief

Boilers, in comparison to the aforementioned heaters, exhibit lower power consumption, yet their operational duration is considerably longer. Consequently, individuals with boilers often leave them running continuously, sometimes with the thermostat set to higher temperatures. This practice, however, results in significant electricity expenses. Even with thermal insulation, boilers continuously release heat energy into the surroundings. As a result, water is heated unnecessarily, such as during periods of absence or at night.

To curtail the energy consumption of boilers, several measures can be taken. Primarily, set the water temperature to the lowest level required for bathing or other activities. When selecting a new device, consider your specific usage needs and choose its capacity accordingly. This ensures that it doesn’t heat more water than necessary for a single instance. If you possess a non-adjustable heater, attempt to turn it off or lower the temperature during periods of non-use. For modern units featuring control capabilities, this is a straightforward process. To optimize electricity consumption, program them to activate and deactivate at appropriate intervals.

Which tariff to choose to reduce electricity bills?

The value we find on our electricity bill results from multiplying the unit rate in effect during a specific period by the corresponding energy consumption. This unit rate varies based on the type of tariff we’ve chosen with our energy provider, which can be either fixed or variable. Within households, common tariff options include G11 and G12, along with other variations offered by different operators. Let’s delve into the most widely-used options below.

G11 tariff

This is a tariff where the price per kilowatt hour is fixed. So it doesn’t matter at what time we use electrical devices. The G11 tariff works well in households where energy consumption during the day is balanced and those where the most energy is used during the day.

G12 and G12w tariffs

Within these tariff structures, the rate fluctuates based on the time of day. This encourages consumers to strategically time their electricity usage, thereby relieving the power grid and decreasing energy consumption during peak demand periods. Certain providers even offer rates that are twice as low for electricity used during off-peak hours, such as the nighttime valley (22:00-6:00) and a daytime slot (13:00-15:00), compared to other times. Notably, the G12 tariff is particularly advantageous for individuals with electric heating systems, especially storage heaters. An analogous principle applies to the G12w tariff, which also incorporates weekends at a reduced rate.

Selecting the appropriate tariff involves assessing household electricity consumption patterns across different times and days. Recording meter readings can be a valuable aid in this decision-making process.

Will photovoltaics and energy storage allow you to reduce bills?

Conserving energy and adjusting usage times aren’t the sole strategies for cutting down on electricity bills. Individuals can also transition into prosumers and flexors through the adoption of photovoltaic systems and energy storage solutions. Further insights on this topic will be covered in the upcoming article.