Tired of having a huge power bill and using more energy than you need to?
We know how that feels.
So, we’ve assembled a list of the top 10 energy efficient solutions for your home.
Check them out now…
1. LED Lighting
Did you know that LED bulbs use up to 85% less electricity than traditional bulbs? So, even if you don’t have the facility to upgrade to LED downlight units, you can still trade your standard lightbulbs for LED versions to be more energy efficient.
Then, if you want to go the whole hog and upgrade to LED closed units, then drop us a line today! Or, find out more about LED lighting in our recent blog.
2. Insulation
Insulation is probably the most energy-efficient component of your home. It plays a crucial role in regulating your indoor temperature by slowing the transfer of heat between the interior and exterior of the house. In colder months, it keeps the warm air inside. And in warmer months, it prevents the outside heat from penetrating through to the interior.
By reducing the transfer of heat, insulation reduces the need for additional heating and cooling which results in lower energy consumption.
3. Heating
One of your biggest household energy consumers would be heating and cooling. So, it is important to choose energy efficient modes for heating your home. A heat pump is more efficient than traditional heaters or air conditioners, but you need to operate it effectively for energy savings.
Keep the temperature set between 19°C and 21°C as anything more will make the unit work harder than it needs to. Setting the fan to auto mode allows your heat pump to optimise its fan speed. Don’t set the fan to low as it actually reduces the efficiency of the unit! Also, turn your heat pump off when you are not using it, it’s not actually more efficient to let it run continuously.
4. Hot Water
Hot water will make up another big chunk of your power bill. Here are some ways you can ensure you are using your hot water efficiently and not spending more than you need to:
- Use low-flow faucets and showerheads
- Fix any drips immediately
- Set your mixer taps to cold so you don’t unintentionally trigger the hot water
- Use a cylinder wrap to insulate your hot water cylinder and insulate the first metre of pipe coming off the cylinder
- Install a smart thermostat so that it automatically turns your cylinder off when hot water isn’t needed
- Take shorter showers and minimise baths (they use almost twice as much hot water)
- Fill the sink when you shave and rinse dishes rather than leaving the tap running
- Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when full
- Try a cold cycle on your washing machine
5. Energy Efficient Choices
Some appliances are particularly power hungry. While the dryer and oven are known culprits, some of the others may surprise you. You can find out which ones they are in our recent blog.
Regardless of what kind of appliance you are using, it can help to pick an energy efficient option. When it does become time to replace things like your fridge, washing machine and dishwasher, choose models with good energy star ratings to reduce your energy consumption.
6. Use Timers
Are you guilty of turning the heat pump on when you leave the house so that it will be warm when you get home? Most people are. While it is nice to walk into a house that is toasty warm, there is a more energy efficient way of doing it.
Using a programmable timer can save so much energy. There are plenty of options to choose from. Some appliances come with built in timers, you can connect some to a smart home hub, or simply get a timer unit that plugs into a specific power point. All of these will help your appliances to operate more efficiently as you can set the timers to only turn them on when needed.
7. Energy Monitoring & Management
Time to get smart with your energy use, literally. There are plenty of ways that you can monitor and manage your energy usage. You can get devices and apps to track how much energy you are using. Then, armed with that data, you can make necessary changes to reduce your energy consumption and make your home operate more efficiently.
8. Landscaping
Did you know that what you do outside your home can impact the inside? That’s right, your landscaping can have an impact on your energy efficiency.
You can actually use trees and plants to help reduce your energy consumption. By planting trees strategically, you can provide shade in the summer and create a windbreak in the winter, minimising the need for electrical heating and cooling.
Consider planting on the west and northwest sides of your home to provide shade during summer afternoons. Choose a species that is well suited to the NZ climate and ensure you plant them at the correct distance from your home so that they won’t cause problems when fully grown.
9. Motion Activated Lighting
Sick of the lights being left on when people aren’t using a space? Then, motion-activated lighting could be a great solution. They turn on when they sense movement and then turn off after a period of time. This makes them ideal for high traffic spaces like hallways or entranceways.
10. Solar Power
It is possible to harness the energy in the sun’s rays to power your home. Installing solar panels could be a way for you to operate your home more efficiently. They create a great renewable energy source and reduce your reliance on the town's power grid.
If you have questions about how you can make your home more energy efficient, then our team are ready and waiting to answer them. Contact us now and let us provide a tailored solution for your home’s energy needs.
