With electricity prices changing all the time, many households have faced problems paying their bills on time, which can have serious long term consequences. If you're concerned about the rising cost of electricity, making your property more energy efficient and comparing different price plans available could be useful for saving you money.

Your first step to a greener, more energy efficient home should be learning about which electrical systems are currently costing you the most. Many people immediately think of their computers, TVs and other consumer electronics, though most of these modern products are designed with energy efficiency in mind, and won't consume excessive amounts as long as they are fully switched off when not in use, rather than being left in standby mode.

One area that may be costing you more than you expected is lighting, and getting into the habit of switching off lights when you or other people in your household leave a room could lead to instant savings on your electricity bills. Replacing standard light bulbs with energy saving bulbs can be a good investment, as these fittings produce the same level of lighting for much less power consumption, and you should also find ways to make the most of natural lighting during the day, which may involve rearranging furniture or replacing curtains with blinds or shutters.

Many people perform activities each day that consume more electricity than needed, so asking people in your family or social circle abut how they use certain appliances could inform you about potential savings. This includes washing clothes in cold rather than hot water and unplugging appliances like toasters and coffee makers when they are not in use, as these could still be running up your electricity meter.

Regularly checking your meter can also be useful for giving you a real overview of the cost of electricity consumption over time. Some electricity suppliers offer the option for their customers to check their meter readings online, which can be a more convenient way of keeping up to date with how much electricity your property is using.

Even if you've taken steps to improve your home's energy efficiency, you may still feel you're paying more than you should be for your electricity bills. That's why it's important to shop around and compare tariffs from different providers, as there may be alternatives out there that are better suited to your situation and usage habits.

Jesse Wallace writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.