Tips for Lower Electric Consumption during Summer
Summers in Australia get hot. But post-summer looking at the electric bill isn’t a pleasant experience. However, with above-average temperatures forecast during the season, it’s also a time to worry about the power bill that comes with keeping the house cooler. Electricity prices have risen dramatically in recent years, causing some consumers to reconsider their energy consumption. The positive news is that there is a lot you can do to reduce your costs by adjusting how and where you use electricity and searching around for an energy contract that meets your needs. Want to stop the post-summer bill shock? Here are some hot tips from cooling and recycling experts to help you save money on energy this summer.
1. Check your electrical system
Before the summer starts, check your electrical systems. Hire a local and licensed electrician to check which appliances are overusing the power and get them fixed before the season starts. If you have older appliances that you know use a lot of electricity, now is the time to repair or replace them. Get 3 free no obligation electrician quotes. Hot water heaters use one-fifth of household electricity, and older electrical systems could be operating at peak hours of the day when power is most expensive. An electrician will add timers that will switch off the hot water system at the most costly times of the day. A backyard pool with old pumps is a significant drag on a home’s energy use. You would want to speak to your nearest swimming pool store about how to reduce your energy consumption. Setting timers will also help you conserve electricity.
2. Ditch the AC
Every degree lower you set your air conditioner could add 10% to your energy bills. Holding the temperature at 18 degrees during the day, for example, would cost you much more than keeping it at 25 degrees. In the same way as you take care of your vehicle by having it serviced on a routine basis, the air conditioner can do well if it is serviced on a regular basis as well. High-pressure cleaners are used by refrigeration mechanics to clear the fungus, bacteria, and another build-up from the air conditioner filters. If your air conditioner is not serviced, it needs to work even harder to cool your house, using more kilowatts in the process. Consider using a ceiling or vertical fan. It consumes less than 10% of the energy used for air conditioning. By keeping the fan blades clean, they can be more aerodynamic and need less power to operate. Bonus points if you remember to turn off the fan before leaving the house.
3. Use energy efficient appliances
When calculating the expense of a new tv, microwave, or washing machine, the cost does not reveal the whole picture. You will also be charged with the electricity used to power your home appliance. Many appliances with lower sales prices can end up costing you more in energy costs over the product’s lifespan. Compare the Energy Rating Label on your home appliances such as televisions, computers, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, freezers, and clothes dryers and choose the one with the most stars. Install the appliance such that it performs smoothly and at peak performance. Refrigerators, for example, should not be put near ovens or hot spots so they would have to work harder to remain cold. Proper use and maintenance are also important, such as allowing hot food to cool before putting it in the fridge and fixing seals on the fridge door to prevent cold air from leaking out. To help you solve all these problems, call an electrician to help you. Here’s a guide on how much electricians cost.
4. Solar power
Experiencing hot summers isn’t something new for Aussies. So why not take advantage of this? Installing a solar hot water system will help you save money on your electricity bills. You can also programme your solar hot water system’s timer to heat your water during off-peak hours, when energy costs are lower. Reducing your reliance on electric power and beginning to use renewable energy to power your home is one of the most powerful ways to minimize your electric bill this summer. Installing solar panels on your roof is an investment in your future, with the potential to save you thousands of dollars over the years. You can have even more power for your energy consumption by adding batteries to your system. It will assist you in storing the energy produced by your solar panels. This can be used later in the evening and at busy hours where buying power from the grid is more expensive. Summer is an excellent time to add battery capacity to your solar power system since that is when your solar panels are at their most effective.