Wondering why your electricity bill keeps going up each month? Many Nigerians face this challenge, but some everyday habits could be quietly adding to your energy costs.
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Here’s a look at ten common mistakes that might be draining your wallet and ways to reduce your energy consumption.
1. Keeping appliances plugged in
Switching off gadgets isn’t enough if they’re still plugged in. TVs, microwaves, and chargers contin
ue drawing “phantom” power even when not in use. Over time, this adds to your bill without you realising it.
READ ALSO: Niger, Togo, Benin owe Nigeria $5.79m electricity bill, says NERC
2. Using older appliances
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Old refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners tend to lack energy-saving features found in newer models, consuming much more electricity. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient appliances can help cut down costs.
3. Excessive use of air conditioning
Running your air conditioner all day, especially when you’re not home, leads to high energy use. Limit AC usage or use timers to control its operation and save money.
4. Overlooking energy-efficient light bulbs
Sticking to traditional incandescent bulbs means using more power than necessary. Switching to energy-efficient LED or CFL bulbs can reduce lighting costs and last much longer.
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5. Using appliances with partial loads
Using the washing machine, dishwasher, or dryer with only a few items wastes energy, as these appliances use almost the same power regardless of the load. Wait until you have a full load to make each use count.
6. Leaving lights on unnecessarily
Leaving lights on when you leave a room is an easy habit but a costly one. Cultivate the habit of switching off lights when you’re not using them.
7. Adjusting your water heater to an excessively high temperature
A high water heater setting increases energy usage. Setting it at a moderate level saves on power and keeps your bill lower.
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8. Using high-power devices during peak hours
Using heavy appliances during peak hours (typically the busiest times of the day) can lead to higher charges. Shift usage of devices like washing machines or dryers to off-peak times when possible.
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9. Not adjusting the fridge and freezer settings
Setting your refrigerator or freezer at maximum cooling isn’t always necessary. Adjusting them to recommended temperatures can cut down energy usage while keeping your food fresh.
10. Neglecting regular maintenance
Dirty filters or coils in ACs, refrigerators, and other appliances force them to work harder, consuming more power. Regular maintenance keeps appliances running efficiently, saving energy and costs.
Avoiding these simple mistakes can help keep your electricity bill in check, letting you save money while using energy wisely.
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