Before we tell you how to reduce your electricity charges first let us explain how your electricity bill is calculated. Electricity charges on your bill are calculated by multiplying the amount of electricity you use (in kilowatt hours or kWh) by a price per unit (cents per kWh). To reduce the electricity charges you pay, you need to focus on two key aspects: electricity usage and the price you pay for that electricity.
In this article we are going to focus on those electrical appliances which are the big power guzzlers in your home.
Electric hot water
Electric hot water is one of the biggest consumers of electricity in your home. By focusing on your electric hot water system, you can save big dollars on your bills. So as to not waste electricity, reduce the thermostat temperature on your hot water system to 60 degrees. This is the temperature recommended by the Queensland Government that is still hot enough to kill bacteria*1. Make sure that you insulate hot water pipes to ensure that the money you are spending is not being lost. You can also reduce your hot water consumption by taking shorter showers or washing your clothes in cold water.
If your system is old and outdated, you may want to think about upgrading to reduce your electricity charges. The upfront cost is an investment that could really pay for itself within a few years. You may also like to investigate alternate heating methods such as gas which is significantly cheaper than electricity or solar hot water.
Washing machine
An easy way to reduce your electricity consumption on washing machines is by washing clothes on a lower temperature or cold water cycle. Try to ensure that your machine has a good energy star rating or is properly serviced to keep it running as efficiently as possible.
Clothes dryers
In warmer months hang your clothes in the Australian Sun. Much cheaper than a tumble dryer! Make sure that when you are using your tumble dryer that clothes are properly wrung out to lessen your usage time.
Electric heating
Heating your home in winters can be very expensive. To cut your electricity charges you should heat only those rooms that you’re using. Also, you can adjust the thermostat settings down a couple of degrees. Insulation could be a key factor in reducing your electricity charges. Less heat escapes outside in a well insulated home and this can reduce the heating requirements.
Fridge
A fridge needs to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during its entire lifetime, there is not much you can do to reduce the amount of electricity consumed by your fridge. But if your fridge is an older model, it might be time to seriously consider an upgrade. A new fridge can help you reduce your electricity usage with energy saving features like superior insulation, defrost mechanisms, door seals and improved compressor efficiency.
Air-conditioning
It is hard to imagine getting through the harsh Australian summer without air-conditioning. However, not surprisingly, it is a very expensive item. By adjusting the thermostat setting of your air conditioners a little higher, the savings could be substantial. Try changing to 25 degrees instead of 20 degrees.
You can definitely reduce the amount of electricity you use at home by focusing on these big power guzzlers.
*1 http://www.climatesmarthome.com/faq-hot-water-system.html
