The temperature has dropped but the cost of living is rising, and unfortunately many Australian families are struggling to make ends meet.
So, how do you stay warm and cosy indoors during the colder months at home without breaking the bank?
In this blog, our licensed and trustworthy Brisbane-based electricians share six (6) of their top tips to save money on your power bills this winter.
How to Reduce Your Electricity Bill in Winter
- Remove old, ineffective heaters
Do you have any old-fashioned radiant strip heaters at your property? If so, we’re sorry to say they’re the most inefficient form of heating as they only warm up a small space.
We recommend getting rid of them and adding a more energy efficient heating alternative in your home, like a reverse cycle air conditioner (these are the most effective use of power per area). Nowadays, many manufacturers include inverter technology within their reverse cycle units. This technology is designed to “cut back” on power consumption once the desired temperature has been reached which in turn saves on running costs.
2. Only heat the room you’re using
If you’re only spending the evening with family in one room like the living area, then you only have to heat that space. Also, we advise closing doors to other rooms, so the heat doesn’t escape.
3. Service your air conditioner regularly
Is your air conditioning running efficiently? If it hasn’t been serviced in the last 12 months, then chances are it’s not.
By keeping your air conditioning maintained, your machine will run more efficiently and therefore use less power.
4. Keep doors, windows and curtains closed
If you’re spending time and money heating your home or the area you’re in, ensure you keep that space sealed by closing curtains, doors and windows to prevent the heat from escaping.
That way you may even be able to turn off your heater when you’re happy with the indoor temperature, rather than having it run consistently over a long period of time.
EXPERT TIP: Setting your split system at the optimal cooling/heating temperature of 24 and keeping the area as closed off to external elements as possible ensures it will run as efficiently as possible.
5. Keep showers brief
We know how tempting it can be to remain under steaming hot running water when it’s cold outside, but the hot water system must work harder (read: use more power) to keep the water hot when the temperature outside is dropping.
In fact, Origin Energy says hot water usage can account for close to a fifth of your energy bill.
6. Energy efficient lighting
Consider lighting solutions that are energy efficient. For example, sensor lights which are only illuminated when the sensor is activated are one option.
Another option is to swap over old incandescent and halogen lighting and replace them with LED bulbs. In fact, we highly recommend only using LED from a power saving and lighting output standpoint. (They’re cheaper to run AND they emit better light!)
Also, heat lamps in bathrooms don’t tend to be overly efficient, so if you can bear getting dressed after the shower without using them that will help as well.
Extra Tip for Homeowners with Solar Power
If you have solar power, we recommend using high draw appliances, like a clothes dryer, during the daylight hours to best offset your solar usage.
Local Brisbane Electrician
If you are based in Brisbane and need help with any of the above, such as air conditioning servicing or installing energy efficient lighting, please contact our friendly team today on 1800 230 400.
Armitage Electrical are your fully qualified and licensed, trustworthy, professional and reliable electricians North Brisbane.
With all-inclusive up-front pricing, Armitage Electrical provides the highest quality electrical, maintenance or repairs on hot water systems, switchboard and mains upgrades, and pool and shed wiring for your home North Brisbane.
For an electrician you can trust to get the job done right, call Armitage Electrical on 1800 230 400 or enquire online here.
