Energy Saving Tips for Eastern Suburbs Residents

The less energy you use, the more money you save.

The demand for electricity in the Eastern Suburbs is increasing more than ever. But by doing a few changes to the way you manage energy, you are making a significant difference to your next energy bill.

Here are easy energy saving tips that you can apply to your homes as an Eastern Suburbs Sydneysider.

Lighting

Did you know that lighting accounts for around 7% of your total energy usage? To save energy from your lighting systems, try to:

• Turn off lights when leaving a room, and make it a habit
• Maximise the use of natural light ‒ open blinds and curtains during the daylight to conserve artificial light
• Replace high-wattage lights and incandescent bulbs with efficient LEDs
• Consider minimising wattage while maximising room illumination
• Install sensors on outdoor lighting so that they switch on with movement and turns off after a while

Fridges and Freezers

Unlike your lighting systems, refrigerators and freezers are appliances that are plugged in 24/7, regularly consuming power. This makes up about 8% of your total energy demand. But even if they are working non-stop, you can still do something to save up energy.

• Set the right temperature ‒ between 3°C and 5°C for the fridge, and -15°C to -18°C for freezers
• If you have multiple fridges or freezers, turn off the ones that you don’t use and make use of the free space in a single appliance
• Replace door seals which aren’t in good working condition
• Place your fridge and freezers in cold areas away from direct sunlight. Make sure that air can flow around all corners

Heating and Cooling

Your A/C systems take up about 40% of the energy used at home. Follow these smart ways to save up a considerable chunk from your energy bill.

• Adjust your thermostat to the most comfortable and efficient temperature. Every 1°C offset for both heating and cooling can add up to 10% to the running cost of your cooling/heating system.
• Typically, it is best to set the heating temperature from 18°C to 21°C and 24°C to 27°C for cooling
• Close all windows, doors, and seal off small room openings to efficiently contain the temperature in the room
• Choose the best cooling or heating component and appliance for your home. 
• If you’re purchasing new appliances, check the energy rating labels to help you choose the most efficient ones.
• Add insulation to your ceilings and walls if there is none. Maintain an annual insulation checkup as well to ensure it works effectively

Water Heating

Your bathroom, laundry, and kitchen water heating system consume more or less 23% of the energy you use. To save energy and water, follow these steps.

• Fix dripping taps and leaking pipes to avoid unnecessary water loss
• Insulating copper pipes with a special foam tubing helps you prevent heat loss from your heating system
• Using a shower timer can help reduce shower time by up to 5 minutes or less
• Using efficient shower heads can save you litres of water per minutes and lowers energy costs
• Finally, it all boils down to just buying an efficient water heater.

Laundry, Dish Washing, Home Entertainment

Appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, home theatre systems, and other minor appliances can account for up to 14% of energy usage at home. To save up on energy, follow these tips:

• Refrain from using washing appliances for small loads
• Use the clothesline instead of a dryer
• Make sure to clean all drain filters before using the dryer
• Unplug entertainment appliances when not in use
• Avoid leaving the television on for background noise if nobody is watching
• When purchasing new appliances, make sure to check the water and energy rating labels to compare running costs so you can make the most efficient choice

Standby Power

Turning off your devices without unplugging them will still consume standby power. On average, Australia uses 81.8 watts per hour. This adds up to $250 annually. Here are ways to reduce your standby power consumption:

• Completely unplugging your appliances after using
• Use power boards with switches. This makes it easy to turn off multiple appliances at once.
• Another way is to use a standby controller to automatically turn off appliances when left unused.

Conclusion

Choosing the most efficient appliances and making small differences can go a long way and help you save up significantly.

Furthermore, investing in regular electrical maintenance will keep your electrical system in optimal condition. Thus, saving your expenses from unwanted electrical emergencies and major repairs.

Sydney Eastern Suburbs Electrician will keep your electrical system checked. We have level 2 electricians who are fully equipped to install electrical components such as smoke detectors within the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. 

Furthermore, we know where to look for electrical flaws, as well as repair and replace damaged electrical components to help you reduce costs in the long run.

Team up with our expert electricians today and call us at (02) 8378 2827 for a free quote.