Five Ways to Lower Your Electricity Bills This Winter

As Sydney temperatures go down our electricity usage goes up… 

We have all felt the change in seasons.  It creeps up on us as the leaves change colour and we consider that extra layer as we plan our day’s activity.  A sudden cold snap in June and Sydney is running for toward their fireplace or racing to the heating controls, in a hurry to stave off the inevitable winter chill.  Before we know it we can be halfway through the winter before we consider our increased energy consumption. Many people will have experienced the dread as the next electricity invoice arrives at the end of the quarter, as we recall our sudden and furious need to keep warm.

Here are five energy saving tips in Australia to reduce bill-shock this spring.

• As needed replace your older light fittings with energy efficient bulbs.  As the days get shorter approaching the middle of the year, we use lights and lamps for longer periods of the day.  If switched to energy efficient long life bulbs this additional illumination won’t hurt your hip pocket as much. Encourage family members to switch off the lights as they leave for the day, even if dim light awaits them outside and it will benefit the purse strings in the long run.

• Localised heating using gas solutions.  Not every home in Sydney is equipped to use gas as an alternative and fewer still have a fireplace.  While colder climates like Melbourne are better prepared for long cold spells Sydney siders don’t have much call for full ducted heating systems for many months, and so may not consider their efficiency.  Put your heating system on a timer and keep your thermostat at a lower temperature longer to avoid a spike in heating bills.

• Don’t heat the whole house.  It is common for doors and hallways to be open during the warmer months, but make an effort to keep areas closed off that get used less frequently.  Opt for spending time in family areas where you can keep the heat in and your family warm.

• Check your insulation.  Most new homes in Sydney are insulated to prevent heat from escaping during colder months, but older homes may be drafty and less insulated.  In these homes, there would be a tendency to crank the heat on high to remove the chill, but savings can be made if insulation is updated and nooks and crannies are better blocked from the drafty night air.

• Lastly, remember to keep your heating appliances in good working order.  If running inefficiently or overloaded a heater can add up the kilowatts at a rapid rate.  Speak to your friendly residential electrical contractor near you on ways to reduce your electricity bill and to receive the advice you need so you enjoy this colder time of year.

With your Alexandria electricians: David Jones – The Electrician, your helping hand is available 24/7 so you know you are in safe hands!