Slash Winter Bills: Energy Efficiency At Home

Embrace energy efficiency for a snug home without breaking the bank. With the onset of winter, the temperature drops, and so does our bank balance as we try to keep our homes warm and cozy. 

However, not just our wallets suffer during this season, but also the environment.

The increased demand for electricity during winter leads to a surge in carbon emissions, contributing to the ever-growing issue of climate change.
Adopting energy-efficient practices that reduce our bills and contribute to a greener planet is essential to combat this.

From simple measures like turning off appliances when not in use to investing in energy-saving appliances and upgrading our heating systems, there are numerous ways to make our homes more eco-friendly.

This article will explore some of the best ways to slash our winter bills while contributing to a sustainable future.
So let’s get started and transform our homes into energy-efficient havens.

 Reducing Phantom Energy Usage

Booking in for an energy audit with Spanos ElectriCool will quickly pinpoint where your power usage is going.

We can show you which appliances are chewing up the power and how some simple changes can keep your energy bills lower.

Phantom energy usage- the energy consumed by appliances left on standby or in idle mode- can account for up to 10% of electricity bills. However, this type of energy consumption can be significantly reduced by simply switching off appliances at the powerpoint or utilising energy-saving features on appliances to automatically switch them off after a period of idleness.

Reducing phantom energy usage can lower carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.

By taking these simple steps, households can save considerable money on their monthly electricity bills.

Overall, being mindful of energy consumption and taking steps to reduce phantom energy usage can significantly impact the environment and one’s wallet so remember to book in an energy audit!

Energy-Saving Appliances and Lighting

By using energy-saving features and upgrading to more efficient appliances, households can significantly reduce their electricity consumption and associated costs. 

Appliances that consume the most electricity include heating systems, hot water systems, fridge-freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, and tumble dryers.

To reduce energy consumption, households can switch off appliances at the powerpoint instead of leaving them on standby and use energy-saving features on appliances to switch off after a period of idleness.

Energy-efficient lighting 

Lighting accounts for about 8% of electricity costs, and households can save up to 80% on lighting costs.

Replacing traditional incandescent bulbs or halogen with energy-efficient LED lighting can significantly reduce energy consumption. LED lights use up to 80% less energy and have a longer lifespan, reducing the frequency of bulb replacements. Talk to us about our light installations and how we can install timers and motion sensors to limit the use of lighting where it’s not required.

Improving Heating and Cooling Systems

Heating/cooling and hot water account for 40% of electricity consumption in Queensland homes, and setting the thermostat temperature just 1 degree lower can save 2% on heating bills. 

By implementing these energy-saving measures, households can reduce their electricity consumption and associated costs while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Upgrading heating and cooling systems can significantly reduce electricity consumption and associated costs. Using ceiling fans alongside with your air conditioning can also help save on power as the fans move the cool air further around the areas.

In Queensland homes, the cost of power we use for, heating/cooling and hot water systems is about to go up in price.
July the 1st will mean higher electricity prices by around 20%. The average home will pay an additional $300-$400 a year for electricity. Read more here 

Properly fitting blinds and curtains can help keep heat in, and blocking drafts around doors and windows will stop the cold air from coming in and let the warmed air escape.
Small changes like this can also reduce energy consumption. 

In addition, upgrading home heating and cooling systems with cleaner technologies can reduce expenses and improve efficiency.

Spanos ElectriCool, a trusted electrical services provider, understands the importance of helping homeowners save on power and reduce their energy consumption. 

Homeowners can achieve significant savings on their power bills by implementing energy-efficient practices.

Here are some effective strategies:

• Upgrading to energy-efficient systems: By replacing old and inefficient heating, cooling, and lighting systems with energy-efficient alternatives, homeowners can achieve substantial energy savings. For example, upgrading to a reverse cycle air conditioning system for heating can be more cost-effective than using gas heaters. These systems use less energy to produce the same amount of heat, resulting in lower energy bills.
• Adjusting thermostat settings: Small adjustments in thermostat settings can notably impact energy consumption. Setting the thermostat just 1 degree lower during the heating season can save up to 2% on heating bills. Similarly, setting the thermostat a few degrees higher during the cooling season can lead to significant savings. Each degree above 20 degrees Celsius adds up to around 10% in cooling costs. Programming the thermostat to adjust temperatures based on occupancy and scheduling can further optimise energy usage.

• Using zone control: Homeowners can maximise energy savings by using zone control systems. These systems allow different areas of the house to be heated or cooled independently, ensuring that energy is only used in occupied rooms. Turning off heating or cooling in unoccupied rooms or adjusting the temperature in different zones according to usage patterns can result in substantial energy savings.

• Energy monitoring and management: Installing energy monitoring systems can help homeowners track their energy consumption in real-time. This visibility allows them to identify areas of high energy usage and make adjustments accordingly. By understanding their energy consumption patterns, homeowners can take proactive measures to reduce wastage and optimise energy usage.

Call In The Expert Electricians

Spanos ElectriCool can assist homeowners in implementing these energy-saving measures. Their team of skilled electricians can provide expert advice, install energy-efficient systems, and optimise electrical systems for maximum energy efficiency.
By adopting these practices, homeowners can save on their power bills and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future by reducing their carbon footprint.