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Tips to cut down your power usage

Saving power can save you money, and contributes towards a more sustainable environment. Here are some top tips to help cut down your power usage.

Home heating

Makes up around 30-35% of an average power bill

Choose a heater that suits the room and your needs. Portable electric heaters are 100% efficient, but heat pumps can be more than 300% efficient. Heat only the room you are in rather than the whole house.

Set your heat pump to 20°C or if using a heater, make sure it has a thermostat. Clean your heat pump filters regularly and avoid using "Auto" mode as this setting requires more power.

Limit the use of heated towel rails and electric blankets, and use timers on heaters so they turn off when you don't need them.

Hot water

Makes up around 30% of an average power bill

Check your hot water temperature and turn down to 55 C at the tap (you should be able to put your hand under it).

Showers use less water than a bath, especially when using an energy efficient showerhead.

Make sure to fix dripping taps. A hot water tap dripping at the rate of one drip per second can waste 28 litres of hot water per day and cost you an additional $11.10 a month.

Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes.

Additional ways to reduce your hot water use:

Use a large bowl for small amounts of dishwashing rather than filling the whole sink.

Use cold water to fill your electric jug (unless the hot tap is already running hot).

Use the plug – hand and dishwashing under a running tap uses more water.

Use the cold wash cycle in your washing machine. The optimum wash temperature for removing soil and dissolving detergent is 20 C which is reached by adding only a small amount of hot water.

Refrigerators and freezers

Makes up around 12% of an average power bill

Look for the Energy Rating label when purchasing new appliances. The more stars the more energy efficient it is. Take note of the annual energy consumption in units and compare the same sizes when considering different brands.

Keep a constant temperature of around 4 C for the fridge and -18 C for the freezer. If lettuce leaves freeze in the fridge and ice-cream becomes too icy, it’s running too cold.

Defrost freezers regularly and make sure there is adequate ventilation around the top, back and sides of the fridge.

Check door seals are secure and clean them regularly. Avoid leaving the door open unnecessarily.

If you think your fridge or freezer is not operating properly, you can borrow a checkmeter from us to see what energy the unit is using.

Try to defrost food in the fridge rather than the microwave. This will help to cool the fridge also. Cool and cover hot foods and liquids before storing in the fridge or freezer.

Avoid running multiple refrigerators and freezers where possible.

Cooktops and stoves

Makes up around 10-15% of an average power bill

Microwaves, air-fryers, pressure cookers, crock-pots and electric fry pans all use less power than the oven.

Only use as much water as you need in the kettle or when cooking and keep the lids on as much as possible.

Match the size of the pan to the size of the element and use flat bottom pans for maximum impact with the elements.

When using the oven try and cook more than one thing at a time, e.g. while a casserole is cooking cook a cake or dessert at the same time.

Check your oven seals regularly. Don't use the oven as a heater but do eave the door open after cooking to make the most of the hot air.

Lighting

Makes up around 8% of an average power bill

Turn lights off when not in the room, and consider lighting zones with individual switches within a room, so all lights aren’t on.

Install energy efficient lightbulbs. LED bulbs use 85% less power and can last up to 15 times longer than old style incandescent bulbs.

Clean your light bulbs and fittings regularly to avoid dust build up, which lowers the lighting output.

Washing machines and driers

Unless you have especially dirty clothes, use the cold wash cycle for the laundry. A hot water wash can use 10 times more electricity than a cold wash.

According to the EECA, four loads of laundry washed in a cold cycle a week will save you about $60-$80 a year.

Dry your clothes outside as much as possible rather than using the drier. If you need to use the drier, try drying your clothes outside first so they take less tome in the drier.

Curtains, window seals, draft stoppers and ventilation

Draw curtains before sundown to keep heat in. Make sure curtains have a snug fit around the window frame.

Open curtains on sunny days to take advantage of natural heating from the sun. Cut back trees or shrubs blocking windows on the sunny side of your home.

Seal windows and doors to reduce heat loss and drafts. Use draft stoppers (or a rolled up towel) around windows and doors to keep the cool air out.

A drier house is easier to heat. Open doors and windows during fine days to air out your home. Wipe away any condensation that forms on your windows or walls. Leave wardrobes slightly open to allow air circulation and discourage mould. Use the extractor fan in your kitchen and bathroom until the moisture clears.

Insulation and double glazing

Ceiling and floor insulation can reduce heat loss by 50%. Double-glazing can often be retrofitted to existing windows. If you don’t have double-glazing, window film can help to reduce heat loss.

For further information

If you want to see how much power an appliance is using, contact Northpower to borrow a check meter.

For any other questions, speak to our friendly team.

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