It’s not just about helping the planet – you can also save money on bills while you’re at it.
The first step to saving money on energy is understanding what you’re spending on already.
You can view your electricity consumption details on the Open Electricity Market's (OEM) e-services page to get an idea of your current usage. Save even more by using your credit card for OEM rebates and money off your monthly bill.
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There are 3 main things to think about when trying to conserve energy around the home. These are:
If you’ve just moved into a new home – great! You now have a blank canvas for maximising its energy efficiency.
But if not, adapting just a few of these design and layout changes around your home could save you plenty of energy.
Fans are considerably cheaper to run than air-conditioners and do a great job of cooling your home.
Ceiling fans are more efficient than standing fans, and they’re also nicely out of the way up there so you’re less likely to bump into them – unless you’re 8 feet tall.
If you do use an air-conditioner, try not to set it lower than 25°C, and make sure to close all the windows and doors while it's running.
Cooling a small space is easier than a bigger one. So, using partitions to reduce the space of a room can make your air-conditioning more efficient. Depending on the partition you choose, they’re easy to move around, giving you flexibility with your home’s layout.
Light colours, like white, cream and beige, reflect heat better than dark colours and help keep your home cool naturally.
Dimmer switches allow you to only use the light you need, and LED lightbulbs generally use less energy.
Even placing your TV in the right corner can save you energy. Keeping it perpendicular to any windows will reduce glare, meaning you can have the brightness lower.
While the initial cost of an energy-efficient appliance might be more than an energy-guzzling alternative, it’s important to remember the ‘life cycle cost’ of products you buy.
This is the amount of money your appliance costs upfront added to its energy costs throughout its lifetime. Investing in an energy efficient appliance can save you money over the long term.
The National Environment Agency’s (NEA) life cycle cost calculator helps you compare the long term cost of different appliances, so you can see if they’re worth the price.
Air-conditioners, water heaters and refrigerators consume a lot of energy, so they’re worth investing in.
If you're ready to upgrade your appliances, you can start saving on your electricity bills now and earn cashback and Rewards points with an HSBC credit card.
Also, if you have a laptop and a desktop, try to use the laptop when you can – they typically draw less power.
You can start saving money on energy straight away with these 3 energy saving habits:
Most washing machines work just as well at lower temperatures. This saves energy, and still leaves your clothes just as fresh. Try your next wash at 30 degrees.
Having a bath typically uses a lot more water and energy than a shower.
And showering at a lower temperature also saves energy – plus, you might find the cooler water wakes you up quicker in the morning!
The Public Utilities Board's (PUB) Smart Shower Programme suggests you can save up to 3% of your water bill by using a smart shower device. Some smart showers display your water usage while you're using them, and others allow you to track your history via a mobile app to help you keep on top of your water usage.
Leaving appliances on standby, whether it’s your TV, laptop or computer, doesn’t stop them from using energy completely. Get in the habit of turning them off properly.
Even better – switching them off at the plug is the most effective. Try to avoid blocking your plug sockets with furniture, as you’ll be less likely to switch them off if they’re harder to reach.
The NEA estimates that you can save around SGD25 a year when you switch appliances off at the power socket.
Another way to get cheaper bills is by switching your energy supplier. While you might already be on a good deal, it doesn’t hurt to shop around and see what’s out there.
You can use the Open Electricity Market's comparison tool to find a price plan that meets your needs. Along with a cheaper deal, you could find a provider that supplies you with renewable energy for your home.
For example, SembCorp Power’s Sunshine plan [@semb-corp-power] provides your home with 100% solar energy – so you know you’re powering your home sustainably. You can also check out how much you could save if you switch to an eco-plan with an HSBC credit card.
Remember, government support schemes such as the Household Utilities Credit top-up and U-Save rebates can also help with energy costs.
Explore: More energy saving rewards
