Energy-saving practices can help all homes reduce their energy bills. In this article, our experienced team of electricians provide practical, and easily implemented strategies they have tried and tested in their own homes. Our energy-saving tips will help you maximise the efficiency of your home.
To improve the energy efficiency of your home you can complete an energy audit. Getting a clear idea of your exact KWh consumption gives you a baseline of your energy consumption. This can be compared to other households in your area using the Australian Government’s energy benchmarking tool Energy Made Easy.
Managing the temperature of any home ranks among the highest energy-consuming activities in the modern home. Often, replacing an energy-hungry heater or portable air conditioner isn’t financially possible. But adjusting how the appliances are used can be a low (or even zero-cost) activity that keeps you comfortable while dropping your energy consumption.
Simple changes in how you manage your energy consumption for temperature control can make a huge difference. Turning your heating and cooling off when you are not at home or overnight is generally the first step. We also recommend:
Adjusting your thermostat to sit between 18°C and 20°C is generally accepted as the most energy-efficient setting for a heater. While estimates vary, every degree above 20 can increase your energy consumption by 10-15%.
For optimal cooling efficiency, we recommend setting your air conditioner to 24°C or 25°C degrees. Even in heatwave conditions, this will feel comfortable while keeping your energy consumption down. The general rule is that for each degree below 24°C, energy consumption increases by approximately 10-15%.
Energy-efficient indoor and outdoor lighting plays a significant role in reducing energy consumption and lowering electricity bills. Leading the charge is LED lighting with highly efficient light output with significantly less energy required than traditional light globes. Using up to 80% less energy, LEDs also last significantly longer than traditional light globes meaning even more savings are to be found in the cost of replacement LED lights. Our team go into more detail about LED lighting in this article.
To further reduce the energy consumption of lighting, ensuring lights are switched off when not in use is a great starting point. For areas that are dark during daytime hours, skylights are a great way to make use of natural light. The use of lamps and mood lighting can reduce the power used on conventional ceiling lighting with the added benefit of improving the atmosphere.
Indoor Lighting
Reducing the cost of energy involves a combination of changes in what appliances are using electricity and how they are being used. Behavioural changes are often inexpensive and offer considerable savings. They can be a little harder to implement due to the force of habit. Fortunately, technology has stepped in and created a range of lighting tools that help change how you use electricity without affecting your lifestyle. These include:
Used in conjunction, these can be an easy way to find a balance between providing a safe, well-lit home, without compromising on energy efficiency.
Like most things, the goalposts of energy efficiency are moving. Technology is constantly providing ways of delivering convenience at better levels of efficiency. A short time ago, the energy rating was 1-5 stars. This has now been updated to allow for up to a 10-star energy rating. We appreciate that it is unrealistic for residents to change all appliances to higher-rated appliances, however being aware of the ratings will no doubt help you make a decision when it comes time to upgrade an appliance.
Some appliances are, by their nature high consumers of electricity. Checking the condition and operation of your appliances is the first step to ensure they are performing as efficiently as possible.
Appliances such as fridges with worn seals and air conditioners with blocked filters will use significantly more electricity than their well-maintained equivalents. For plugin appliances such as heaters, televisions and gaming consoles, ensuring they are mounted according to manufacturer guidelines is recommended. Ensuring they are clear of dust and anything that may cause them to operate at elevated temperatures will almost always cause increased running costs.
Smart Plugs are an area of rapid technological development. With features that integrate with home assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistance, they include features as follows:
While the actual function list is far broader than those listed above, these are key features that will allow residents to understand individual appliance energy consumption and implement adjustments to save money.
Introducing energy efficiency in your homes is cheaper and easier than most people believe. It is essential for saving money on electricity. By implementing energy-efficient strategies combined with efficient appliances where possible, Australian homeowners can achieve substantial energy savings while enjoying a comfortable and sustainable lifestyle.
If you’d like to know how you can improve the energy efficiency of your home, our friendly team are ready to help today.
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