How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient
If your electrical bills seem sky-high, there are many things you can do to reduce your home’s energy usage and lower your bills.
Using energy-efficient appliances and implementing energy-efficient strategies in your home can save money and reduce demand on the grid without sacrificing comfort or lifestyle.
How to Reduce Your Energy Usage
If you’re not sure how much energy your household uses, start by having an energy audit (ask us how).
Audits tell you where energy is being used and make recommendations about how to reduce usage.
If older appliances are the biggest users, a certified electrical contractor can recommend new models that will significantly reduce both energy usage and utility bills.
Which Household Appliances Burn the most Energy?
Heating and cooling account for approximately 40% of household energy usage.
Water heaters come in second, accounting for approximately 25% of usage.
Other appliances and electronics, including refrigerators and cooking equipment, account for another 33%. Stand-by power accounts for approximately 3%.
Low-Cost Solutions to Reduce Your Energy Bill
Electronic Equipment
Unplugging electronic equipment when it’s not being used can reduce energy consumption by up to 3%. Even if a computer or TV is turned off, they still draw power.
Rather than having to unplug multiple devices and peripherals, plug them into power strips.
Simply turn the strips off when you’re finished for the day.
Water Heaters
As one of the largest contributors to energy usage, water heaters can be optimised by lowering the heater temperature a few degrees without compromising comfort.
Also, draining the heater twice a year to reduce mineral build-up can also increase efficiency.
Lighting
Lights can be a major drain to a home’s electricity usage. LED lighting is the most energy efficient way to light your home. Although up front costs are slightly higher, LED lights will last a very long time, are durable and will save you a bundle in the long run.
Learn more about lighting your home with LED here.
Pool Pump
If you own a pool, your pool cleaner may be contributing up to 20% of your total electricity bill. So how can we minimise this expense?
Make sure you put your pool pump on a timer or turn it on during off peak times.
Also using a cover, upgrading to an energy efficient pump and maintaining your pool equipment can also help reduce your pool’s energy costs.
Air Conditioner Settings
Set back the air conditioning thermostat when you’re out. Have your air conditioning equipment serviced at the start of summer.
Changing or cleaning the filter every three months can reduce its power consumption by up to 15%.
Using ceiling fans makes the air feel several degrees cooler, which lets you set back the air conditioning thermostat.
In Winter, use the sun to help heat your home. In the Summer, close blinds or curtains to reduce heat build up.
Plant trees to help shade windows, walls and roofs. Not only will you feel more comfortable, it will reduce the load on the air conditioner and save you money.
Choosing the Right Appliance
Newer, energy-efficient models of refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines use about half the energy that older models use. They may cost more up front, but in the long run the can save a lot of more in energy bills.
Speak with your electrician about upgrading to energy-saving appliances.
Proper sizing and installation will ensure efficiency of the system as well as increase the lifespan of the appliance. The payback can be quick not to mention the positive benefits to the environment.
The 2018 QLD Government Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate
To help consumers with the up front cost of energy efficient appliances, the QLD Government are committing $20 million to rebates in 2018.
The following rebates are available:
- $200 for a 4 star or higher rated washing machine.
- $250 for a 4 star or higher refrigerator.
- $300 for a 4 star or higher air conditioner.
To be eligible for the rebate, the appliance needs to be purchased after January 1st 2018 and the purpose for use must be residential.
To learn more about the rebate, see the full information here.
If you need advice or installation of energy saving appliances in your home, call AMP’D Electrical and Solar on (07) 5522 5222 to discuss your requirements.
