Money
16 things you can do right now to save big on your energy bill
Do you want to save big on your power bill? Then add these 16 tips and tricks to your repertoire. These easy adjustments are small enough that you can start today and will mean passive saving for you, plus being able to do your bit for the environment.
By Carolyn Tate
Have you been watching your electricity bills go up every year? Energy is one of the most stressful expenses we have, according to Canstar Blue, and with good reason: the average NZ household now spends $2,352 on electricity each year.
Managing household expenses can be tricky, especially if we’re on a fixed income or have stopped working. Navigating those bill payments can become stressful but it doesn’t need to be.
The good news is that there are lots of ways you can reduce your electricity bill that won’t have much impact on your lifestyle. Some may be obvious, while others are sneaky tricks that could save you a lot of money. All of these 16 tips can add up to big savings if you follow them:
1. Upgrade to LED lighting
Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. LED lighting consumes significantly less energy and has a much longer lifespan.
2. Unplug electronics
Even when they’re turned off, electronics in standby mode can still draw power and cost you money. Unplug devices or use smart power strips to cut off power completely.
3. Use natural light
If there’s one thing New Zealand has in surplus, it’s sunlight. Make the most of natural daylight by opening blinds and curtains during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
4. Seal leaks and gaps
Inspect all your doors and windows for draughts, and use weatherstripping or caulking to seal gaps. Proper insulation can reduce both your heating and cooling costs.
5. Adjust your air conditioner
Set the temperature on your air conditioner to a comfortable but not overly warm temperature in winter and a cooler temperature in summer. Even better: turn it off when you can.
6. Regular maintenance
Ensure that your heating and cooling systems are well-maintained. Clean or replace filters as needed to maintain efficiency.
7. Use ceiling fans
Ceiling fans can help distribute air more effectively than air conditioners, and they use less energy, allowing you to feel comfortable at a higher temperature.
8. Buy energy-efficient appliances
When it's time to replace appliances, choose energy-efficient models with a high Energy Rating.
9. Wash clothes in cold water
Did you know that most of the energy used by our washing machines goes towards heating the water? If your clothes aren’t particularly dirty, wash them in cold water to save on energy costs.
10. Air dry clothes
Use a clothesline or drying rack to air dry your laundry instead of using a dryer. It's gentler on your clothes and reduces energy consumption – that’s a double saving!
11. Cook efficiently
Use smaller appliances like toaster ovens or microwaves for small meals or if you’re just cooking for one or 2. When using the oven or stove, cook multiple items at once, if you can, to save energy.
12. Seal leaky ducts
If your home has a central heating and cooling system, have the ducts inspected and sealed to prevent energy loss.
13. Turn off lights
Remember to turn off lights when leaving a room. If you have trouble remembering, consider installing motion-sensor lights in less frequently used areas.
14. Use power-saving modes
Enable power-saving modes on computers, printers, and other electronic devices, so they don’t keep on chewing through the electricity when they’re not in use.
15. Reduce hot water usage
Lower the temperature on your hot water heater to 49°C – you shouldn’t ever need it hotter than that, and if you do, you can boil the kettle. And fix any water leaks promptly. Using low-flow showerheads and taps can also help to reduce your hot water use.
16. Consider solar panels
While this final tip isn’t as easy as the other tips, installing solar panels on your property can save you a lot of money now and into the future. The New Zealand Government website GENLESS has a solar power calculator to help you work out whether solar is a cost-effective option for your home.
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