Do you want to reduce your electricity bill and maximise on savings? Depending upon your usage, your energy bill could vary greatly from month to month but with a few small changes, you can conserve more energy – and drastically reduce your expenses.
As one of the most trusted electrical companies serving Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland, and surrounding areas, Powered Electrical and Data is here to help you. We have compiled a list of some of the best energy-saving tips to help keep your bill as low as possible, while also helping to protect the environment.
Appliances
Buy energy-efficient appliances
Under Australian law, Energy Rating Labels must be on all appliances in New South Wales so you can compare their energy efficiency and running costs before you buy them to reduce your electricity bill.
Energy Rating Labels must be displayed on the following new appliances:
- Air conditioners
- Televisions
- Fridges
- Freezers
- Washing machines
- Clothes dryers
- Dishwashers
- Computer monitors
Visit the Energy Rating website to work out the rough running costs of your appliances before you buy them: www.energyrating.gov.au/calculator
Use the dishwasher and washing machine at night
Take advantage of off-peak electricity rates by using your high energy-consuming appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines during the assigned low-rate hours. Off-peak times vary by location and meter type but are generally applied at night and weekends. Check your utility company’s website to see a list of peak and off-peak hours.
Replace standard lightbulbs with LEDs
In Australia, lighting accounts for 10% of the average household electricity budget every year. By fitting new, energy-efficient lightbulbs, such as LED or CFL bulbs, you will use much less electricity than using the older versions. When you upgrade your old lightbulbs for energy-efficient types, you could save up to $650 over 10 years.
Unplug and switch off
When you leave laptops, televisions, and mobile phones on charge even when the battery is full, they could still be using energy. Unplugging your devices once they are on 100% battery is a smart way to be more energy efficient. Don’t forget, if your charger has an LED to show it’s powered on, it’s still consuming energy until you turn it off at the wall.
Heating and cooling
Don’t forget annual heating and A/C maintenance
According to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, heating and cooling your home uses more energy than any other system and on average makes up 40% of your electric bill. You can ensure your systems are running at maximum efficiency by having a reliable technician perform an annual check-up.
Install a programmable thermostat
By installing a programmable thermostat, you drastically reduce the amount of energy you use in your home. A programmable thermostat will allow you to adjust the times you turn on the heating or air-conditioning according to a pre-set schedule.
Energy saving tip: for every 1°C you turn down your thermostat, you’ll use 1% less energy.
Insulation
- Well-fitted curtains and blinds will help to trap heat during the winter. Make sure to close your curtains at night to prevent warm air from escaping through the windows, helping to keep your house warmer for longer.
- If you feel a chill from draughts around your windows and doors, you can use a draught excluder to prevent small breezes.
Contact our energy saving experts in NSW
In order to reduce energy consumption, it’s a good idea to get a professional to assess your home. An experienced electrician will be able to advise you on your electrical system and other factors in your property that may contribute to your high energy bills.
Powered Electrical and Data offers high quality electrical and data cabling services to the commercial and private sectors in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, and Hunter Regions of NSW.
In addition to electrical services, our team of licensed electricians can also advise our customers on any cost-saving measures that can be utilised on their property. Call us today at 0466182944 to schedule an appointment.