Save energy,
save money
There are lots of ways to tackle energy use, especially in the colder months. And there are plenty of changes you can make that won’t cost a cent.
Save energy,
Managing your power costs
Saving energy is important as it saves you money on energy bills, and reduces your carbon footprint.
HELPS AT HAND
Our energy saving tips below fall into three categories. Managing your heating, keeping track of what’s using power, and making sure your house is dry.
The Government’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) works to improve the energy efficiency of New Zealand’s homes and businesses.
For more information visit their website:
Keeping cosy
Staying warm can get expensive. Heating your house the right way at the right times, and keeping the warmth in as much as possible, will help lower your power bill.
Switching off
Follow these tips to make sure your appliances are working at their best and aren’t using power when they’re not needed.
Staying dry
A dry house is more comfortable, healthier, and much easier to heat, meaning you’ll use less power.
Mind the gap
Stop draughts to keep rooms warm. Check door hinges are tight. A rolled-up towel makes a good draught stopper.
Don’t get overcharged
Switch off chargers when you’re not using them, or they’ll keep using electricity.
Here comes the sun
Open the curtains in the morning to let the sun in, and close them at dusk to keep in the day’s warmth.
Window wipers
Wipe down windows with a towel in the morning to remove condensation that builds up while you sleep.
Set that thermostat
Set your heater thermostats to 18-20°C, and keep the door shut in the room you want to heat. Avoid using unflued gas heaters which emit toxic fumes and moisture.
Don’t wait, ventilate
Use your extractor fan or open windows during and after cooking.
Overboiled?
When you boil the jug, only boil as much water as you need.
Stay cool
Check your fridge door seals. Shut a piece of paper in the door and pull. If the paper falls out easily the seals may need replacing. If you have a second fridge without much in it, consider turning it off or getting rid of it.
Cold wash only
Always wash full loads, and use cold washes for your laundry unless you have a really dirty load. A hot wash can cost 10 times more in electricity than a cold wash.
Dry outside, dry inside
Dry clothes outside, or in a dryer that vents outside, to avoid dampness from your clothes ending up in your home.
Wrap it up
Ensure your hot water cylinder is insulated and working properly. See energywise.govt.nz/at-home/water for tips.
Towel time
Only use your heated towel rail when needed. You can buy automatic timers to help with this.
Air it out
Use your extractor fan or open windows during and after showering.
Shower power
Showers use less water and energy than baths. Use an efficient showerhead with a flow of 9L per minute or less. Reduce shower time — a 15 minute shower costs around $1!
Lights out
Turn lights off when you’re not using them, and replace old incandescent bulbs with LEDs if you can.
Heat on demand
Turn heaters and heatpumps off when you don’t need them or you’re not home. Make sure your heatpump filters are clean.
Standby standoff
Appliances like TVs, game consoles and computers use power on standby. Turn them off at the wall — plugging them into multiboards can make this easier.
Where’s your power going?
Work out hourly appliance costs
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Lighting
Heating and cooling
Kitchen
Bathroom laundry and cleaning
Entertainment and living
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