5 facts about power usage to save money (and our planet)
Understanding the facts behind power consumption could help you save on your energy bills. So let’s find out some of the facts behind our biggest energy users.
Lighting
It’s worth considering the switch from incandescent light bulbs to as LED lights use less energy and last longer.
Fact: LED lights use 79 per cent less energy than the incandescent light bulbs and last up to 13 times longer.
Star rating labels
The Energy Rating Label (ERL) is a mandatory energy label that lets you compare energy performance on a range of appliances.
Fact: The more stars on the label the more electricity you will save, and in the long run, it certainly adds up.
Water heating
We love a hot shower on a cold day but hot water systems often overheat water, and thus cost you more money. If your system has a thermostat set the temperature and if possible, like when going on holidays, switch off the hot water when not required.
Fact: Water heating is the second largest user in the average Australian household and accounts for approximately a water of household energy use.
Heaters and air conditioners
Ask yourself if you really need to switch on the heater or air-conditioning when rugging up or a fan could do the job.
Fact: Each degree of heating and cooling increases your energy use by up to 10 per cent.
Standby power
Individually, appliances – such as microwaves, stereos, TVs and computers – don’t consume much power, but together it can add up to a lot of energy consumption. Turn off appliances at the wall whenever possible.
Fact: Appliances on standby power can consume equivalent to 4 per cent of actual running cost.
Related links:
How solar power can save you money
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Top 5 energy efficient ways to keep your house warm this winter