When Australia’s winter season rolls around, most people prefer to spend their days indoors, cosy and warm. So, of course, energy usage will increase, and you'll likely see a higher utility bill. But, there's no need to worry - there are plenty of things you can do to cut down your electrical expenses. Read this helpful article to find out what these tips and tricks are.
1. Unplug Unused Appliances
We’ve said this once, and we’ll say it again – many plugged devices still consume electricity even when they're not being used. Among these so-called ‘energy vampires’ are phone chargers, television sets, and computers - basically anything connected to a power point. So it’s always wise to be mindful and unplug any appliance that's not in use.
2. Detect and Seal Air Leaks
Whether your dwelling is old or newly built, you may have a problem with air leaks. These are the tiny gaps in your doors, windows, ceiling-to-wall joints, baseboards, attics, basements, and vents that have been left unsealed. You can also find air leaks in areas where your electrical outlets, switch plates, data cables, and wall-mounted air conditioners are installed.
Here’s an easy hack: If you're unsure whether a room has an air leak or not, light up an incense stick and hold it by a suspected area. If you notice the smoke blowing sideways, there’s a good chance of an opening nearby. Another thing you can use for this test is a thermal leak detector, which identifies the surface temperatures of walls, floorboards, and other spots.
Meanwhile, a permanent solution to this problem depends on the air leak’s size and location. Those on the wall less than an inch wide can be filled with weatherproof caulk. Meanwhile, spray foam is best used for sealing cracks from 1 to 3 inches in size. As for doors, draught-proofing strips, door seals, and door snakes should be installed under the panel to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from creeping in.
When these air leaks are solved, you’ll most likely need less heating, leading to lesser energy costs.
3. Maximise Sunshine
It’s the best time to get your thickest curtains out. Open them during the day when the sun’s high up so you can let sunlight into your home. This way, you can let your home soak in as much natural warmth as possible. You also won't have to switch on too many lights until late afternoon or nighttime when you do this. Then, when it gets dark and chilly, pull your curtains close to secure insulation and contain the warmth you’ve gathered throughout the daytime. Simple and easy, right?
4. Use LED Bulbs
Since we’re on the topic of lights, consider swapping your old bulbs for LED lights. Traditional lightbulbs consume a lot of power to generate light. In contrast, LED bulbs are much better at consuming energy. With LED lights, approximately 95% of energy is converted into luminescence, and the remaining 5% becomes heat.
Also, they have a lifespan that is six times longer than other types of lights, which makes them significantly more efficient than the old-fashioned ones. As a bonus, they are eco-friendly and don't contain any toxic elements.
5. Run Your Ceiling Fan in Reverse Mode
Do you have a ceiling fan in your home, or are you looking to have one installed? It’s great to know that most ceiling fan models have a reverse-mode setting that is great for the winter season. When your ceiling fan spins in reverse, the warm air moving towards the ceiling is pushed back to your level. Ceiling fans are a simple and smart way to achieve a comfortable and warm temperature during the winter, as ceiling fans are generally inexpensive to run compared to power-eating heaters.
TIP: Consult a local electrician to learn more about your ceiling fans’ reverse mode or to get assistance with ceiling fan installation.
6. Go for Energy-Efficient Devices
Relatedly, you can also consider switching to energy-saving appliances. Devices like refrigerators and heaters continuously consume power since they're running nonstop. And well, you already know what that means for your utility bills.
Luckily, there are now more efficient, energy-saving models available. Smart appliances make use of as little power as possible without compromising performance. There are also solar-powered alternatives that receive energy from renewable sources, like sunlight and wind. When installing these devices into your home, don't forget to call in a licensed electrician for expert assistance.
7. Improve Your Energy Use
With modern technology, tracking your power consumption can be easy with smart devices like energy monitors. When you know which areas or appliances are prone to energy waste, you can easily make adjustments to lower your electric bills. At the same time, consider getting an on-site fault detection and electrical safety assessment from licensed electricians. This will help you identify the actions you can take to save money on energy bills and maintain the electrical safety and integrity of your property no matter the time of the year.
Conclusion
Staying warm, cozy, and comfortable during the cold season doesn't have to come with high energy bills. Get in touch with Oztech Sparks Electrical for more simple, smart, and secure electrical solutions to maintain the safety and comfort of your home. Our friendly team of licensed electricians can give you advice and help you prepare for any season!
Contact us at projects@oztechsparks.com.au or call us on 1300 698 324.
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