It's important to be sensible about the way we use electricity to help save on our electricity bills and help the environment. Just a few small changes in how we use electricity at home can make a big difference. At Ergon Energy we call this energy sense.
It's that simple. So use your energy sense and start saving.
Hint of the month
- Water saving shower heads can save you up to $200 on your hot water1.
Our simple Energy Sense hints
Here are some simple Energy Sense hints you can do today to help you save around your home.
Heating
- This winter, set your reverse cycle air conditioner or heater to an energy efficient and comfortable 18oC
- Make sure your heater is working properly. Check fans and filters are not clogged with dust and fluff and reflectors are clean
- When purchasing a heater, choose the most energy efficient, the right size and type.
Kitchen
- Check your fridge temperature - it will work most efficiently at 4 degrees
- Use the correct small appliance for that small cooking job instead of your range, such as frypan, deep fry cooker or pressure cooker
- Select a fan forced oven. It will reduce cooking times and energy use.
Bathroom
- Take shorter showers. Reducing your shower time from 8 to 4 minutes can cut hot water costs by 50%3
- Fix leaking hot water taps quickly. 60 drops a minute = 9000 litres of wasted water a year
- Avoid rinsing clothes, dishes and hands under running hot water. Running hot water with the plug in means energy, water and useful hot water down the drain.
Laundry
- If you are thinking of buying a new washing machine, choose a more energy-efficient front loader, instead of a top loader. You may pay a little more up front, but you’ll save around 50%4 on electricity
- Drying clothes on coat hangers or folding items as son as you take them off the line minimises the need for ironing
- Iron in batches to save reheating time.
Around the home
- Switching your mobile chargers off at the wall can save you up to $50 a year5
- Use a good local light near the task. It is more effective and more efficient than a large central light
- Ask Ergon Energy if our economy tariff options are suitable for your hot water system and other appliances.
Make the change
- Encourage your children to be energy efficient around your home by turning off appliances when they have finished using them.
Want more energy sense hints? Download our Energy Sense guide (PDF 1.0 mb) for more ways to save money and help the environment.
Ergon Energy calculations based on:
1 A household of four people taking one 4 minute shower per person per day, with the hot water connected to Tariff 33.
2 Savings on an economy tariff are based on a family of 4 people showering once a day for 4 minutes using standard showerheads and comparing the cost of electricity charged under Tariff 11 Domestic and Tariff 33 Controlled Supply (Economy).
3 Calculations based on showering for half the time.
4 Savings based on comparing a large automatic 600W top loader with a large automatic 300W front loader.
5 Three chargers on 24 hours a day with a standby wattage of 1.8w.
