Top 10 Tips to Save Electricity this Summer.

A Courier Mail article states the government wants us to turn our air conditioners up to 26°C to save energy. Here’s why that won’t work, and some better ideas.

While this practice will reduce the amount of electricity that you use, what is the point of an air conditioner, if not to keep us comfortable?

Besides, any energy saving could easily be swallowed up by other actions taken to overcome said discomfort, such as turning on ceiling or pedestal fans to help circulate the air in the room. Or even opening and closing the fridge door to get refreshments.

24 degrees is recommended as the pivotal setting for a balance between efficiency and comfort, so let’s look at some more practical actions you can take to save energy and reduce your power usage and cost.

Here are some things you can do to reduce energy consumption, without making life uncomfortable:

1. Upgrade air conditioning and keep it clean.
Some cooling systems can now automatically turn off when there is no-one in the room for an extended period of time. They then turn on again when movement is detected in the room. Many can be adjusted and turned on or off remotely, via an APP on your phone, and some use AI to optimize variables like airflow, temperature and humidity, to balance comfort with the lowest possible energy consumption.

So, if your air conditioning is over 5 years old, consider replacing it with a more efficient model.

Keeping your aircon well maintained and clean is essential to keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter, without it costing you a fortune.

The Department of the Environment and Energy agrees that regular and thorough cleaning improves the operating efficiency of household and commercial HVAC systems. This can translate into large savings on electricity bills and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from electricity generation.

As a guide, air conditioning units should be professionally cleaned every 12 months. That’s not just the cleaning of filters, rather a complete, comprehensive clean of the filters, coil, drain and condenser unit.

2. Switch to energy efficient lighting.
Energy-efficient globes could save you up to 80 per cent off your lighting costs. LED bulbs use less power and last longer. That means you spend less money and time replacing them.

Contact Mellor Electrical Group and ask about energy efficient options for your home or business, such as LED lighting, dimmers, timers and sensor options.

3. Seal windows and doorways.
Stop cool air leaking out by blocking draughts around doors and windows.

This is a relatively easy thing for anyone to do. Check your windows and doors and see if cold air is leaking through them. With your home cooled, walk outside and feel around the windows and doors. If you can feel cold air seeping through the gaps, then get these sealed up. Use a caulking gun, purchase some seals from your local hardware, or if on a budget, place a rolled-up towel at the base of the door. Do whatever you can to keep your cool air inside your home.

4. Shut doors and use blinds and awnings.
Heat transference through glass windows will cause a room to heat up quickly. Invest in block out curtains or blinds on those windows or doors that receive the full impact from the sun. By keeping these closed during the day, it will help to keep your room cool. Also keep the sun off your windows with external shadings such as external blinds or canvas awnings.

Shut doors to areas you’re not using, and only cool or heat the rooms where you spend the most time.

5. Plant a tree!
Shade creating trees and shrubs will greatly impact the heat that transfers into your home. Just as shady areas keep animals cool on hot days, a tree that shades your home will help to cool your home. The environment will thank you as well.

6. Insulation
An insulated ceiling can make a big difference to your energy bills. Effective ceiling insulation can save you up to 20 per cent on your cooling and heating costs. Insulated walls will save you even more.

7. Use automation to turn off electrics when not in use.
Turning off your cooling system and appliances when you go to bed or leave the house will save money, as will switching off computers and peripherals (e.g. printers or Wi-Fi routers) etc.

Consider installing an automation system, like Control4 Automation, so you can control everything electrical in your home from your fingertips. Press a “Goodnight” button that will put your house to sleep, turning off all lights and locking all doors.
With Control4 you can also dim the lights, play music, adjust the temperature, arm the security system and check in on your home from your smartphone, no matter where you are.

Contact Mellor Electrical Group to get yours installed.

8. Use large appliances more efficiently.

Refrigerator
Your fridge runs 24 hours a day and is one of your most expensive appliances to run, so check that it is set to the most efficient temperature settings. The ideal fridge temperature is 4 or 5 degrees Celsius and the ideal freezer temperature is minus 15 to minus 18 degrees.

Also make sure the fridge door seal is tight and doesn’t need replacing, so that no gaps or cracks are letting cold air escape. If you have a second fridge or freezer, only turn it on when you need it.

Cooking
Put frozen food in your fridge in the morning to thaw out and reduce cooking time in the evening. When cooking, use the microwave when you can. Microwaves use much less energy than an electric oven.

If you use a stove, keep lids on pots to reduce cooking time. Plan to cook more and have leftover meals for the next day or the whole week. Keep leftover meals in the freezer.

Dishwasher
Use the economy cycle on your dishwasher and only run it when it’s full.

Washing Machine and Dryer
You can save around $115 per year by washing clothes in cold water.

You can also save by making sure you select the shortest appropriate washing cycle and by waiting until your machine is full before starting a cycle.

Clothes dryers use lots of energy, so avoid using them in warmer months and hang clothes outside to let them dry naturally instead.

9. Consider Solar.
Using solar energy is an investment strategy that will save you money on energy bills in the long term.

By using the solar electricity that you generate, you can avoid buying energy from your retailer.

10. Get an energy assessment done.
An energy assessment can help you identify and improve the aspects of your home or business that are contributing to high energy bills.

Whether you’re selling or renovating, renting or simply worried about energy bills, get an energy assessment done to find out how to save energy and money on bills.

Contact Mellor Electrical Group to arrange your energy assessment.

Each of the above steps can be completed relatively easily and will save you money by using less electricity.

To learn more about Mellor Electrical Group and the services we provide, go to https://melloreg.com.au/ for call 1300 MELLOR (635 567)