Top 10 ways to reduce your power bill during summer
We often think of winter as being the most power-hungry time of year, but the cost of air conditioning and keeping cool can all add up. Especially if you will have children home from school during the summer holidays or you plan to be working from home.
Luckily, there is still lots you can do to reduce your power bill this summer. Here are 10 things you can do today to prepare your home for summer and lower your power bill.
1. Compare power plans and find the best deal on power
New Zealand Power Plan come in all shapes and sizes, and the cost of not having the best power deal for your home can add up over the years. Switching to the best power deal is one of the easiest ways to reduce your power bill now. Luckily at Power Compare we make easy - compare power plans and find the best power deal here. Simply enter your address to view a tailored list of power plans for your home.
2. Make sure you are on the right standard or low user electricity plan
Are you a Standard User or a Low User of Power? Your electricity company will charge you different rates for electricity depending on which type of plan you choose. Choosing the wrong user plan will cost you more money in the end, don’t be tricked into thinking a Low User plan means low costs, if you are a Standard User you need to be on a Standard pricing plan to save money on your power. Here’s a simple guide to help you work out if you are on the right type of plan.
3. Limit your air conditioner use
Try to limit your air conditioner use and turn it off when you don’t need it. Fans are a much less power hungry option. You may be able to delay turning on the air conditioner by turning up the fan and leaving windows open to allow a breeze through.
If your home is feeling really hot Opening your windows and turning the fan on will cool your room by several degrees at almost no cost. If you are still too hot, a good strategy is to cool the room with open windows and use a fan, then turn the air conditioner on once the room is a few degrees cooler. This will save you on cooling those first few degrees.
When you do use your air conditioner, make sure to close doors and windows to close off other areas of your home, so you are cooling a smaller space.
4. Turn it off and spend time outdoors
New Zealand is the best place in the world to enjoy the great outdoors. Spending lots of times indoors will mean you are likely to run your cooling appliances and electronics more. So head outside – go to the beach, head to the park, or head to the movies or a mall and chill out in their air conditioning.
5. Banish the oven
Sweating over a hot stove or oven is the last thing most people want to do in summer, and a hot oven can heat up your home and make your cooling appliances work overtime. A perfect excuse to live healthily and simply over summer and embrace salads and cold foods.
6. Use nature to dry your clothes
Dry your washing outside when you can, and take advantage of natural ventilation by opening your windows to let the summer breeze through. Dryers are often the most energy-hungry appliance in the home (along with refrigerators).
7. Switch to energy star appliances and unplug
When buying new appliances choosing ones with a good energy star rating with deliver savings in the long term. Unplug your electronic devices and appliances when not in use. Turning them off standy could save around $100 per year. This passive power use is also known as vampire power – for example phone chargers, TVs or microwaves that are constantly on slowly sucking up small amounts of power.
8. Clean and maintain your heat pumps, HRV, air conditioning and ceiling fan
Consider having your appliances inspected to make sure your system is leak-free and operating as efficiently as possible. Carry out the regular maintenance required for your appliance – some air filters require monthly cleaning.
9. Block the sun with blinds and curtains.
The sunshine coming through your windows will heat your home up in no time, especially if you live in a well-insulated house our you are out during the day with the house shut up. Keeping the sun from shining into windows will cut down on cooling costs.
10. Fill your home with greenery
Plants can provide cooling shade on both a large or small scale. If you own your home and have a garden, plant trees that will provide shade during summer. Shade around your home can help keep the temperature down inside. If you live in an apartment try putting pot plants and greenery around your window