How to save on electricity
Bill shock! It is a real thing. The cost of heating and cooling, keeping the lights on and running a home is skyrocketing. All the media noise suggests the soaring energy costs won’t be coming down soon.
With the rising costs of living, the spotlight on household budgets burns even brighter and seems to cost so much more. In this simple guide, we give you a few easy steps in helping to save on electricity.
Understanding your electricity bill
Getting data on your electricity usage is extremely helpful in managing your electricity bill.
Knowing the family patterns enables you to make simple changes that lead to savings. Knowing the times of the day when your family uses the most electricity will assist you in choosing the right electricity contract. Some suppliers reward you for using electricity outside peak times (normally 10 pm to 7 am). If possible, using the washing machine and dishwasher during this time will cut costs.
Comparing your energy use for the same time the previous year is a handy tool. This will give you a guide to your consumption during the different seasons. Is your usage higher in winter or summer? Is heating or cooling your home costing more? You can analyse why and make necessary adjustments.
When winter is your most expensive time for electricity:
- Only heat the rooms being used
- Open the blinds and curtains when the sun is shining and close them before its dark
- If your ceiling fan has a reversing switch, use it to circulate warm air through the room
- Block drafts and cracks with window and door seals. Especially in older dwellings.
- Try to avoid using the shower to get warm (aim for a 4-minute shower)
- Turn off appliances when not in use at the wall. (TV, computer, consoles)
- Insulation is a worthwhile investment
- Set your heating thermostats between 18°C and 20°C
- Close internal doors
When summer is your most expensive time for electricity
- Opt for fans instead of turning on the air conditioner
- Reduce heat from direct sunlight by using shades and blinds on the windows
- Block drafts and cracks with window and door seals. Especially in older dwellings.
- When temperatures drop outside, open windows or doors on opposite sides of the room
- Turn off appliances when not in use at the wall (TV, computer, consoles)
- Insulation is a worthwhile investment
- Set your cooling thermostats between 25°C and 27°C
More saving tips
LED’s are a great way to save on lighting your property. They use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer. They also emit less heat which is great for the summer months. The major contributor to an electricity bill is heating and cooling, hot water, pools and spas and refrigerators and appliances. Turning appliances that are not in use off at the wall is an easy thing to do that will save you money.
- Think about your family habits that could be affecting your energy use. You can start making some small changes that will add up.
- When replacing or upgrading household items, consider the most energy-efficient option you can afford.
- Hot water makes up 25% of household energy use on average. Switching a larger electric storage hot water system to an off-peak storage system can reduce your energy bills.
- Install a smart meter. Smart meters measure your energy use in half-hour intervals and can be linked to a monitor that displays your energy-use patterns. This can help you switch your energy use to cheaper times of the day.
- Wash your clothes in cold water and only wash full loads
- Fit a low-flow showerhead
Shop around and make the switch
It can seem painful at the time but shopping around can save you plenty of money. The best energy contract matches your overall use and time-of-use pattern. If you choose a contract that does not suit your household or lifestyle, you could pay more than necessary.
If you choose an energy contract where you’re rewarded for moving energy away from peak times, you may be able to maximise savings. Ask your retailer for a more frequent billing cycle and make fortnightly payments instead of one large payment every quarter.
Many retailers offer discounts for on-time payments, so check if this option is available. Conversely, you may be penalised for late payments.
At the end of the day it is your money. The cost of powering your lifestyle is rising and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Small household changes will make a difference, and shopping around and asking your retailer for a better deal is worth the effort.
At All Suburbs Strata Managment we have skilled and professional strata managers who available to assist you with your strata management needs. Contact our expert team and experience the difference that professional and experienced managers can make to your living lifestyle.
