Q: How can I save money on my power bills?
A: With the price of electricity continuing to climb, taking steps to reduce your power usage is very sensible. Here are 11 ways to do that;
- Consider replacing your existing heating source with heat pumps. These are the most efficient way to heat your home and some models also help clean the air, making them ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers.
- Install timers on your heated towel rail. This ensures you always have dry towels when you need them, but are not using any more power than necessary.
- Replace manual outdoor lights with sensor lights. These come on when there is movement within their field of vision, such as when you are returning home or leaving in dark.
- The largest user of electricity in any home is the hot water cylinder. Turn it down to 60° and you’ll feel the effect in your wallet but not in your shower.
- To conserve warmth, on winter evenings close your curtains as soon as the sun goes down. Close doors to rooms that don’t need
- Replace windows with double glazing to reduce the amount of heat escaping outside.
- Stop up any draughts you can find to prevent cold air seeping in.
- Use your microwave instead of your oven to cook food. Heating the oven uses lots of power so when using it cook several dishes at once.
- A gas hob is more economical than an electric one, partly because the gas is instant whereas it takes time for an electric element to heat up.
- Install a ceiling fan (the type with blades) to move warm air down. This is especially useful if your house has high ceilings. Warm air rises and a fan will bring it back down to where it’s needed.
- Insulate your ceiling, walls and floors. There is a government subsidy available to help with this through EECA. Visit www.eeca.govt.nz/ to see if you are eligible.
