How to Pay Less for Electricity in Autumn: 3 Ways

With the arrival of autumn, we tend to turn on lights more often, but does this affect the cost of electricity bills? And how can you pay less for it? Answers to these questions are in our article.

Install Multi-Tariff Meters

Tariffs depend on the time of day and days of the week, which are divided into different activity periods. For example, if you leave for work early and return late, you can save significantly — up to 25% off your electricity bill. The cheapest tariff applies during the period from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM the next morning.

It's very convenient to run your dishwasher or washing machine at night, as well as to heat the floor. To change your meter, call Mosenergosbyt or submit an application on their website.

Design: Galina Yurieva

Unplug Electrical Appliances from the Power Source

Even if your TV is turned off but still plugged in, it operates in standby mode — waiting for the next activation. The same applies to microwave ovens with timers, laser printers, and computers. They consume a small amount of energy, but in total, you may end up paying thousands of rubles more over the year.

You can always unplug devices, but it's hard to remember. Much easier is to hire an electrician and move the refrigerator socket to a separate circuit breaker in the panel. Turn off other sockets when you leave the house.

Design: Alexandra Ladanova

Buy Energy-Saving Light Bulbs

Of course, LED bulbs cost more than regular ones, but they also last much longer. When compared to an incandescent bulb, LED bulbs use 84% less electricity, making the savings obvious.

For home use, choose bulbs with warm light at about 100–200 lumens per square meter. Temperature and brightness are always indicated on the packaging.

What Won’t Help You Save Money?

Purchase High-Efficiency Energy Appliances

Energy efficiency and energy saving are not the same thing. For example, a refrigerator with a high energy efficiency rating will cost significantly more but won’t save much on utility bills. You might save a few thousand rubles per year, but the cost of the expensive model will only pay off in several decades.

So, if you need to replace a washing machine, it's better to choose one with a larger drum capacity. This way, you reduce the number of wash cycles and save more.

Unplug Chargers from the Outlet

Naturally, you shouldn't leave them plugged in — it's a fire hazard — but from the point of view of saving money, it’s useless. You’ll save only a few dozen rubles per year.

Turn the lights off less often at home

According to Moscow tariffs, one kilowatt-hour costs 5 rubles and 38 kopecks. For example, a regular 60-watt bulb consumes 0.06 kilowatt-hours per hour. Even if such a bulb is on all night, you’ll only pay a few rubles for it.

Design: Elena Ivanova

On the Cover: Interior Design Project by Elena Ivanova.