15 Tips to Save Energy for Every Season

Here are 15 notable tips to save energy which can work for all seasons.

Society functions when the lights are turned on. However, the constant activation of power tends to put immense strain on the grid and consumer units alike, and also triggers more carbon emissions. This puts an impetus on reducing energy costs wherever possible while maintaining an acceptable standard of living.

1. Save energy by turning off unused appliances

Even appliances need a break from full operations. To this end, you must disconnect any appliances you are not using from the wall socket, not just shut down and put on standby mode.This is especially true if you are leaving your home for an extended period of time. Appliances placed on standby mode consume a small amount of electricity, which may be incremental at first but compounds at the quarterly utility bill.

If you have an extension cord and multiple appliances are attached to it, the extension cord itself must be disconnected from the wall socket. However, if the extension cord has switches per socket and there are essential appliances that cannot be shut down, switches for non-essential appliances connected can be turned off instead.

2. Washing full load

Washing machines must be operated on full loads to maximise the water and electricity consumption each unit entails. Consider also scheduling your laundry periods during off-peak hours.

3. Hanging clothes

If you have spare space at home, use them as the drying area with hanging clotheslines. The place must have adequate exposure to sunlight and ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. This may be practical instead of acquiring a dryer alongside a washing machine. A clothes rack may also help in expediting the drying.

4. Save energy by declogging the HVAC

The home’s HVAC system must undergo maintenance just before the start of the current weather season. The maintenance ranges from replacing air filters, repairing the blower motor, to cleaning out the ducts. Duct cleaning, in particular, is critical because it prevents the buildup of contaminants that can affect air quality such as dust mites and rat faeces.

5. Installing smart thermostats

If your home has a central HVAC system, a smart thermostat will help manage temperature controls. Aside from adjusting temperatures, a smart thermostat is capable of setting up the temperature for each room, at what times of the day the temperature must be set, and also when people are present to adjust accordingly. They can also be controlled through mobile devices or web browsers.

6. Switching lights

Consider switching all incandescent lights at home to LED or fluorescent units. Studies have shown that fluorescent and LED lights are capable of producing more lights for less power than incandescents. They also have a longer operating life – where incandescent lights can have an operating life of up to 1,000 hours before shorting out, fluorescent or LED lights go for as long as 10,000 hours.

7. Save energy by closing the curtains

Regardless of the season, consider closing the curtains at certain times of the day. Aside from the privacy it offers, in winter, closing the curtains prevents radiant heat from escaping the interior, while in summertime, it blocks off more natural light and heat from entering the home.

8. Energy audits

Arrange a professional home energy audit with a noted energy consultation company or through your local council. The assessment will fully evaluate your property for factors such as the energy efficiency of appliances, power consumption habits, and track for energy leaks such as heating escaping during cold weather.

9. Stocking up the fridge

Make the most out of your refrigerator’s volume by stocking up with food and other essential items. Cramming food and water bottles into the hold enables the fridge to use less energy in keeping things cold. The same also applies for the freezer: if there’s space as a result of perishables such as meat being taken out for eating, you can replace the lost volume with other cold-treatable items such as water bottles or medical compress packs.

10. Save energy by using energy-efficient white goods

Some home living experts claim that investing in appliances with proven energy-efficiency ratings can work well in reducing your electricity bills. The best clue to look for is the Australian Energy Star Rating System label on each appliance, which is measured from one star to ten stars, ten being the highest.

11. Window upgrade

Some home energy contractors maintain that upgrading the windows can be critical to helping maintain temperatures at home. Invest in installing double-glazed windows with high efficiency ratings and weatherstripping; a home audit may have revealed leakages in the existing window frame. Solar window tints can help bring in more natural light to the interior while reducing the heat gain.

12. Insulation batting

A number of home studies in Australia indicate that many properties are under-insulated, with associated effects in heating or cooling expenses. If your property has been put under energy audit and it was found lacking adequate insulation, plan ahead to reinforce the insulation with a noted insulation contractor.

Insulation is to be applied on the walls, roofing structure and under the floor (for raised structures). While insulation costs between $8,000 and $15,000 according to certain contractors, the return on investment will be worth it in terms of less heating or cooling loss and limited strain on the HVAC system.

13. Outdoor cooking

Sunny days are a fun opportunity to get outside and go grilling, especially if the weather report or general climate in your community indicates clearer conditions. Have your ingredients ready beforehand and prepare the grill as per instructions, but you may need to set up a fan to manage the smoke.

14. Water heater management

If nobody is to be at home for a few days, consider shutting down the water heater for the interim. This would save you a sum of money from power expenses due to keeping the heater on.

15. Shorter showers at lower temperature

Try taking a shower at a lower temperature setting on your heater and limit your bathing to no more than a few minutes. This reduces power consumption on the heater while possibly keeping your water charges to a minimum, even more when the plumbing has been sealed tight.

When current energy trends look at double-digit increases in Australia’s power bills, finding ways to manage your property’s energy footprint right down to the last cent will be critical.

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