Simple ways to lower your energy bills this winter
It is that time of year again when the cooler weather starts to appear and thoughts of rising power bills fill our heads. Here are some simple things that Energywise have put together to help you save money on energy bills while making your home warmer and healthier.
KEEP YOUR HOME WARM
Heat is expensive, so save money by keeping the cold air out and the warm air in.
WINDOWS AND DOORS Draw curtains at dusk -
to keep the day’s heat in. The best curtains have a separate lining and are fitted close to the window, wide enough to generously overlap the window frames at the sides and long enough to touch the floor. A pelmet at the top is even better.
Consider DIY window insulation kits -
which can cut heat loss through windows by half and are a fraction of the cost of double-glazing.
make sure your windows and doors fit their frames. Use draught stopping tape around windows and doors and draught excluders or door snakes along the bottom of doors.
Stop draughts - HEATING Turn your heaters off when you don’t need them -
rather than leaving them on when you’re not there, this includes your heat pump. for 18 to 20˚C during the day, or 16˚C in your bedroom overnight.
Set your heater thermostat - Many heaters are only big enough to heat one room -
so close doors and in the evening pull curtains.
Use a heater directly in the room you want to heat -
and keep the door shut (unless you have central heating).
KEEP YOUR HOME DRY
Get rid of moisture and dampness in your home, especially when you’re cooking and washing.
OUTSIDE Fix any broken or leaking pipes, and clear and fix gutters -
leaky pipes and blocked or broken guttering can cause dampness inside your home, which can lead to mould.
Lay down a ground vapour barrier -
this is basically a giant piece of black plastic sheet that sits on the dirt under your house, keeping dampness in the ground.
check the outside of the house to make sure all underfloor vents are clear of plants or other blockages. This helps to move damp air out from under your house.
Clear vents - INSIDE Cooking, showering and washing -
all introduce moisture to your home. The best way to get rid of this moisture is with externally vented extraction fans. If you don’t have these, open windows during or after cooking, showering and washing up.
Dry clothes outside or in a clothes dryer that is vented to outside -
try not to use indoors airing racks or clothes dryers that vent into your house. The moisture in the clothes will end up in your home.
Air your home -
open windows and doors a few times a day to air the house and let moisture escape, even in winter. Don’t forget to open wardrobe and cupboard doors.
sleeping with your bedroom window open a crack lets out the moisture that naturally builds up over the night.
especially in winter. Duvets, pillows, and other heavy bedding absorbs moisture over time, so air them outdoors when it’s sunny.
Avoid unflued gas heaters - which release toxic fumes and make your house damp. Cheap portable electric heaters are safer and cost less to run.
Ventilate your bedroom - Air your bedding - SAVE ON LIGHTING
Lighting is one of the easiest places you can save energy around your house. Turn lights off when you’re not using them. Replace incandescent light bulbs -with energy efficient LEDs and save $100 or more a year on electricity in your house.
SAVE ON HOT WATER
Heating water is expensive, so using less hot water has a big impact on your energy bills.
it still gives you a great shower, but uses much less water. To check the flow rate of your shower, put a 10 litre bucket under the shower - if it fills in less than a minute at normal showering temperature, your showerhead is wasting water. An efficient
Use an efficient showerhead - FRIDGES
If you have a second fridge only to chill a few drinks, it could cost you $200 a year to run if it’s an old, inefficient model. Consider turning it off or getting rid of it. Check your fridge door seals - if the door doesn’t seal properly, your fridge will use more energy than it needs to. Depending on the age and condition of the fridge, get new seals fitted or replace the fridge.
For more information about saving money on your energy bills and other energy-related tips visit www.energywise.govt.nz. Information supplied by EECA ENERGYWISE.