ENERGY USE
How to manage your energy consumption across all seasons
With the extremes of heat in summer and cool in winter, the ACT and surrounds is known for its variation in temperatures. With the diverse temperatures by season comes the need to rely on heating and cooling - which is one of the most significant users of energy in the home.
We’ve collated this helpful checklist to help you manage your energy consumption, lower your bills, and reduce your environmental impact all year round.
Spring
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As warmer weather approaches, it’s time to check the filter on your air conditioner. Replace or clean it to the manufacturer’s instructions to keep it working more efficiently. Don’t forget to dust ceiling fans before turning them on to prevent spreading dust around the house.
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Spring-clean your fridge-freezer to make it more energy efficient. Thoroughly clean and defrost the appliance and ensure it is set to the right temperature—between 3 and 4°C for the fridge and minus 15 to minus 18°C for the freezer.
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Spring is a great time to open windows and let fresh air into your home. Natural ventilation can help reduce the need for air conditioning and save energy.
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As it gets warmer, start drying clothes on the line or a clothes rack outdoors if you’ve been using a dryer over the cooler months.
Summer
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Avoid using heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, and dryers, which can make your home feel warmer. Try to use these appliances in the early morning or evening when it is cooler.
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Closing curtains or blinds during the day will block out sunlight and reduce the heat entering your home. This can help keep your home cooler and reduce the amount you need to use the air conditioning.
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Switch to LEDs which emit less heat, use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than halogen bulbs.
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Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings with weather stripping or caulking to help keep your home cooler.
Autumn
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Consider using a humidifier. This will add moisture to the air, which can make you feel warmer and more comfortable, allowing you to lower your air conditioning temperature by a few degrees.
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As temperatures slowly drop, set your air conditioning heating temperature to 18°C to 20°C. Every degree you increase your heating or cooling increases energy use by up to 10%.
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Close the curtains in the early evening to keep in the day’s warmth before that night-time nip in the air.
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Maintain your heating system to help it run more efficiently and use less energy. Replace air filters regularly; autumn is the perfect time to have a professional inspect and service your system.
Winter
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Open your curtains or blinds to let as much natural sunlight in during the day as possible. This can help warm your home naturally and reduce the need for artificial heating.
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Use draft stoppers under your doors to keep chilly draughts out and warm air in.
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Ensure that your home’s roof is adequately insulated, and your heating ducts are clean and unobstructed to ensure maximum efficiency.
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Layer up and dress warmly inside your home so you’ll be warm even with a lower temperature setting. You could consider a heated blanket as well.
ActewAGL's energy saving tips are designed to help you take control of your energy use, while reducing your bills and environmental impact. Save with great value energy plans backed by our sustainability promise, supported by 100% local, award-winning service - so you can LIVE A Good Life now and into the future.
For more information about how you can transition to an energy-efficient home visit the SolarHub & ActewAGL Smart Energy Hub today.
Sources
https://www.energy.gov/
https://www.energy.gov.au/households/lighting
Disclaimer: These Energy Savings tips and articles are for information purposes only. Please ensure you are aware of any safety precautions before operating appliances or products.
