Winter is a time when, traditionally, all our power bills spike due to increased use of heaters, dryers, hot water. It's always a shock to the system when the winter power bills start coming in and even more so this year where it feels like one week it was summer and we had the heat pump on cooling and literally the next week it was winter and the same heat pump was on heat!
Ways to reduce the winter power bill (that wont cost you a thing)
- Turn unused appliances off at the wall
- Draw your curtains at dusk, before it starts to cool to keep the days heat in
- Turn your heater thermostat down, ideally between 18 - 20 degrees
- Air your home by opening doors and windows (even when it's cold), it will let moisture escape and will help your home drier (and healthier).
- Tighten hinges, latches and catches on doors and windows to help stop heat loss
- Close doors on the room you are heating to keep the heat in the room
- Turn off lights when you're not using them / not in the room
- Use a cold wash in your washing machine rather than hot
- Check that you're on the best power plan / best company for your requirements. Sites like Powerswitch make it easy to compare
- Spend less time in the shower
- Add a dry towel to the dryer to reduce drying times
- Only turn your heated towel rail on when it's needed
Other ideas
- Fit a water flow restrictor on your shower to reduce how much hot water is used
- Buy energy efficient light bulbs
- Use draught stopping tape around doors and windows
- Use draught excluders or 'door snakes' on the bottom of doors
- DIY window insulation kits
- Check the seals on your fridge / freezer and replace if necessary
- Insulate your hot water cylinder
Check out the Energywise site for more tips on how to lower your energy bills and have a warmer, drier and healthier home.
The information contained in this article is of a general nature and should not be taken as advice. It reflects the opinions of the writer only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of NZHL (New Zealand Home Loans).