Save power, save money

You Have the Power

When it comes to getting your monthly power bill, there’s always that moment of hesitation we all have before ripping into it. Yikes!

If getting your bill gives you the heebie jeebies, especially in times like Winter when more dark hours and colder temperatures means power consumption is on the up, you’re not alone.

If you’re like most of us, there are times when you’re not just surprised at the number in front of you, but you’re actually shocked. Gobsmacked. Taken aback.

We’ve all had these moments, but with some smart conservation and a little bit of thinking-ahead you’ll see a difference in your bill from the top down to the bottom line.

Where Does the Power Go?

Here’s a basic rundown of how household energy use in the winter is typically broken down:

42% Hot Water
(This includes showers, baths and laundry. Who knew getting and staying clean was so expensive?)

• Take showers instead of baths, and keep them reasonably short (between 5 – 10 minutes)
• Check your hot water temperature at the tap. If it’s hotter than 60°C turn down the thermostat on the hot      water cylinder.
• Wash clothes in cold water and in full loads.
• Fill your jug from the cold water tap and boil only what you need.
• Don’t rinse dirty dishes under a running hot tap.

25% Lights & Appliances
Lighting should be designed for efficiency. Matching light output to requirements, locating light sources properly and using efficient fixtures are all points to consider in lighting design and layout.

• When buying a new appliance look for an Energy Rating label. The more stars, the more efficient the appliance is.
• When available, natural light should be utilised by arranging working areas near windows.
• Use only the lights you really need (make one child in the family a "Light Monitor").
• Using lamps for specific tasks may be more effective than relying on a single light in the centre of the ceiling.
• Keep light fixtures clean.
• Use timers and sensors to add flexibility, safety and security to your system.
• Renew old fridge and freezer appliances. Older fridges and freezers use up to about 40% more energy than new ones.

18% Heating
Using time switches and thermostats helps you heat your home effectively. Here's how to keep the heat inside:

• Using time switches and thermostats helps you heat your home effectively.
• Heat only the room(s) that are being used. Close off doors to other parts of the house.
• Place heaters away from windows as heat races out through windows if it gets a chance.
• Set the temperature you require on the thermostat and resist the urge to turn the thermostat right up when first turning the heater on. This will not heat the room any quicker (the heater is already going flat out) but will cause over temperatures when the room does warm up.
• Keep heaters clean.
• Block any obvious draughts (block off unused fireplaces, place snakes under external doors and check for leaks around plumbing and other penetrations).
• Fit curtains made of heavy fabric, which are lined or thermal backed. They should generously cover windows. Avoid gaps between the curtains and the walls as these allow cold draughts.

14% Cooking

• Match pots and pans to stove element size for best heat transfer.
• Use lids on pots whenever possible.
• Use steamers and pot dividers to cook all your vegetables at once rather than using several hot plates to cook them separately.
• Small appliances such as electric fry pans, sandwich makers, toasters and cook-tops use less energy than grills, hot plates or ovens.
• When using the oven cook several items at a time or in succession to take advantage of the oven being up to temperature.
• Use your microwave for cooking whenever possible - your cooking time will be reduced considerably and you can save up to 70% on the cost of a convection oven.
• Use your jug to boil water instead of the stove top.