There are many ways to lower your power bill. It is important to ensure your house is as energy-efficient as possible. Here are some tips for areas around your home.
Bathroom:
Turn off your heated towel rail unless it is actually heating or drying something.
Fixing leaking hot-water taps will save both
electricity and water. A single dripping tap can waste as much as 5000 litres of hot water in the course of a year.
Kitchen:
Heat water in the microwave rather than running the tap for a lengthy period to get hot water.
Use cold water in your electric jug, and boil only the amount you require.
Your fridge and freezer will use less power when they are full.
Ensure that your fridge and freezer seals are tight. If you have a beer fridge, switch it on only when you really need to.
Defrost your freezer when ice builds up. Ice-free appliances use less power.
Set your fridge at the recommended temperature. If you have the temperature too low, the fridge will need to run for longer and will use more power - and will also wear out faster.
Make sure your fridge is positioned so there is open space behind it where air can circulate. Remove dust regularly.
Use microwaves and pressure cookers as much as possible.
Metal steamer baskets can be used over pots to cook more than one dish at a time.
Put lids on pots on the stove when cooking.
Laundry:
Use cold water in your washing machine.
Dry your laundry outside as much as possible. A washing line in the carport or on a back veranda is great in showery weather.
Clean the lint filter on your dryer regularly, and make sure it is vented to the outside.
Bedrooms:
Turn appliances not in use off at the wall.
Use a hot water bottle instead of an electric blanket.
Turn computers off at the wall when they are not in use, or use low-power modes.
Catriona MacLennan is author of Survive the Crunch, a book full of practical tips and user-friendly advice on what Kiwis need to know to survive the recession. The book, published by HarperCollins, can be bought at any good bookstore. RRP $24.99.
