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
- This summer, set your air conditioner to a cool and energy efficient 25oC as every degree cooler adds around 10%1 to your aircon running costs – which quickly adds up.
Our simple energy sense hints
Here are some simple energy sense hints you can do today to help you save around your home.
Cooling
- Use fans – they can help to circulate cool air through the house and are always friendlier on your pocket than air conditioning
- Turn the aircon off when you leave home - it should only take around 20 minutes to cool your house when you return
- Dress appropriately for the weather
- Install ceiling insulation with a minimum rating that suits your locality
- Shade your windows with curtains and blinds to protect from the sun
- Close doors and windows in areas you want to cool.
Kitchen
- Use pots and pans with tight fitting lids and flat bases that stay in contact with the hotplate
- Think about what you want from the fridge before opening the door
- Keeping your fridge full will use less electricity to re-cool it after you close the door
- Check your oven seals regularly to prevent heat loss
- Keep your dishwater filter clean to allow the washing water to circulate freely
- Allow enough space for air to circulate around your fridge and freezer.
Bathroom and laundry
- Install a low flow showerhead or a flow control valve to reduce the amount of hot water used without reducing pressure
- Connect your hot water system to Tariff 33 and cut your future running costs by up to 30%2
- Fix leaky taps quickly - just 60 drops a minute is around 9,000 litres of wasted water a year
- Ventilate your bathroom by opening a window instead of using your exhaust fan if possible
- Make sure your items can tumble freely in the clothes dryer and have as much water spun from them before going in
- Households can use around one-third of their hot water in the laundry. Wash in cold water to save on water heating costs
- Adjust the water level to economically wash a partial load or wait until you have enough for a full load
- Fold washed items carefully to avoid the need for ironing and iron in batches to save reheating time.
Pool
- Connect your pool pump to Tariff 33 and cut your future running costs by up to 30%2
- Upgrade to an energy efficient pool pump and save up to 80% on your future pool running costs3
- Keep your pool cool - the warmer your pool is the more cleaning and chemicals are required to combat algae growth
- Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation, keep leaves and other debris out and minimise the energy needed to clean your pool.
Around the home
- Use LED festive lights as they require less electricity and last longer
- Fit exterior lights with movement detectors or two way switches to provide convenience and security while saving energy
- Use a power monitor to see the energy that each appliances uses. Involve your kids so that they can see what uses what.
Ergon Energy calculations:
1 This information is based on Ergon Energy calculations for a 2000W air-conditioner. Calculations based on an ambient temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. When the air conditioner is set at 25 degrees it will cycle on for 70% of time. On cycling will increase as the air conditioner temperature is lowered until when set at 20 degrees when the air conditioner will cycle on for 100% of the time. Results may vary depending on whether air conditioner is sized correctly for the room it is operating in, windows and doors are shut, blinds are closed and climatic conditions in your area etc.
2 Based on comparing notified prices for Tariff 11 with Tariff 33, effective 1 July 2012. Supply on Tariff 33 will be available for a minimum of 18 hours per day, but the times when electricity supply is available may be subject to variation at the discretion of Ergon Energy.
3 Based on a 350W 8-Star rated pool pump compared to a 1.1kW fixed speed rated pump running 6 hours per day for 365 days per year.
