Winter means long hot showers, room heaters, using the dryer more often, and even running the kettle more often for hot drinks. And it takes more energy to warm than to cool. Combined with the rising cost of electricity your winter power bill can start to stack up. Though there’s nothing we can do about electricity prices, there is plenty that can be done to reduce your energy usage and save money on your power bill this winter.
How To Save Money On Your Power Bill This Winter
Air Dry Your Clothes
In the colder winter weather it can take longer for clothes to dry. Combined with the fact that your clothes come out of the tumble dryer toasty and warm it can be tempting to never air dry your clothes in winter.
Unfortunately, clothes dryers are one of the most energy consuming appliances in Australian households. Simply hanging your clothes up to dry instead of constantly using the dryer can significantly reduce your power bill. And if you do decide to use a tumble dryer, make sure that it is energy efficient to minimise the running costs.
Replace Your Old Hot Water System
Another household appliance that can drive up your energy bill is a hot water heater. In fact, water heating accounts for approximately 25% of power usage in the average Australian home. And with longer, warmer showers and baths in winter, the running costs increase.
The best way to save on water heating and reduce you power bill is to ensure that you have an energy efficient water heater. As hot water systems age they lose efficiency and can unnecessarily drive up your power bill. If your hot water heater is 10+ years old it has likely lost a lot of its efficiency. Consider replacing it with a new tankless system.
Not only will a new hot water heater be much more efficient than the unit you bought 10 years ago, tankless hot water heaters only heat water when needed. This means that you won’t be paying to constantly heat a tank of water, even when there’s nobody home.
Additionally, simply installing a water saving shower head can reduce the water usage in the shower by up to 40% allowing you to keep having those warm winter showers without having to worry about driving up your energy bill.
Service Your Air Conditioner
A reverse cycle air conditioner is great as it keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The benefit of using an air conditioner for heating in winter is that it is a much cheaper alternative to other types of heaters.
However, to ensure that your air conditioner runs as efficiently as possible it’s important to have it regularly serviced by a professional. Plus, servicing your air conditioner in winter (the off season for air conditioning companies) will allow you to book in at your convenience and for a great price.
Take advantage of the timer feature on your air conditioner by setting it to turn off after you go to bed and on 10 minutes or so before your alarm. This will allow you to fall asleep and wake up in comfort without having to leave the air conditioner on overnight. You may also want to consider turning your thermostat down a few degrees so that it still keeps your home warm without driving up your bill.
Professional Air Conditioner Maintenance At A Great Price!
Advanced Climate Solutions offers professional air conditioner maintenance Brisbane wide at a great price. Book a service with us today and we will ensure that your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible to keep your power bill down this winter.
