Saving Energy This Winter

We are all wary of our ever-increasing energy bills and, with winter fast approaching, we can only expect the cooler season to add to the expense.

Below are some tips on how you can save money on your home energy bills this winter.

Reduce your home’s general energy usage by:

• Take note of your energy use and patterns, such as tariffs and appliances, and where possible, use appliances during off-peak periods.
• Switch to LED, energy-efficient lighting and train the family to use ‘task lighting’; by only using lights as required.
• Look into having movement and presence detectors installed for high traffic areas, such as hallways and bathrooms.
• Consider having solar hot water systems with an electric boost on off-peak tariffs installed.
• Try to avoid using a clothes dryer as much as is practical, these use a lot of energy.
• Wash in cold water.

Retain heat by:

• Covering your windows with close-fitting, lined curtains or blinds to retain the day’s warmth and capture your heating at night.
• Insulating your home will help retain heat in winter and also keep heat out in summer.
• Ensure doors and windows seal properly to reduce draughts.

Saving in the kitchen:

• Use the appropriate size and type of cookware for stovetops, for example, don’t use the largest burner for a small saucepan.
• A kettle is more economical than a microwave for heating a cup of water.
• Ensure the oven light is working and the glass is clean to prevent excessive opening and closing of the oven door.
• Check your fridge seals to make sure there’s no leakage.

Around the home appliances:

• Set the temperature on your heater or air conditioner to 24 degrees Celsius, no higher.
• Use ceiling fans in reverse or the ‘winter’ setting; there’s a switch on the bell housing to do this.
• Consider a solar-powered alternative for decorative garden lighting.
• Have all electric blankets checked before use to ensure they’re safe and in good working order.
• Consider using a laptop or notebook as much as possible, rather than a large CPU.
• Set the screensavers on your computers to blank.
• Recharge or have appliances put on off-peak tariffs.

Fallon Services Master Electricians can come to your home and complete a Home Energy Audit to identify any appliances using excess power and determine the best use of appliances to conserve energy. Call today to book your Home Energy Audit and lower your power bill this winter

For more information on what a Home Energy Audit entails.