We are all feeling the pinch at the moment, high cost of living, high energy bills, interest rates rises. Here are some great tips to get you through the winter months without forking out a huge energy bill.
Water Heating
Water heating accounts for 21% of the average home’s energy use.
Check the settings on your water heater. Instantaneous and continuous flow systems should be set at 50°C while storage and solar systems at 60°C for maximum efficiency and safety.
Washing your clothes using hot water can use 10 times more energy than a cold wash. Use the coolest temperature possible on your washing machine.
Why not switch off your hot water system when you go on holiday? When you return, heat and store the water above 60°C for at least 35 minutes before use (heating may take a few hours).
Heating water can be costly and uses lots of energy. Reducing your shower time by four minutes could save $85 per year. Set a timer on your mobile phone to prompt you.
Saving hot water saves energy too. Reduce hot water use by only doing a full sink or load of dishes, washing clothes in cooler water and switching your bath for a short shower.
If you have a solar hot water system, try taking a shower during the day or early in the evening to reduce the need for ‘boosting’.
Heating
Heating during the colder months accounts for 40% of the average home’s energy use.
If your heater has a temperature setting, keep it set below 20°C for maximum efficiency.
Cooling yourself is more energy efficient than cooling your whole home. Try to cool yourself with a glass of water or cold shower and delay turning on the air conditioning. Try having a hot drink, putting on warm socks and using a heat pack before switching on the heater.
Reduce heater use; make a rule like only turning it on when the temperature falls below 18°C.
If you need heating overnight try an electric blanket instead of a heater. Don’t forget to unplug your electric heater when it’s not in use!
As the weather gets cooler, remember to shut your curtains at night. You can lose up to 40% of your home’s heat through unprotected glass.
If your air conditioner has adjustable louvres, adjust them towards the ceiling when cooling and towards the floor when heating (as cool air falls and hot air rises).
Clean the filters on your air conditioner regularly to help it run more efficiently.
Clothes Drying
It’s been a very wet year with all this rain. Here are some great tips for using the clothes dryer;
If you need to use a clothes dryer, spin clothes well or part dry them on the washing line first.
If you use a clothes dryer use the medium setting instead of high: it takes a little longer but uses less energy and is less damaging to your clothes.
Do you need a local electrician? Give Hornsby Electric a call today on 9477 2550.