As energy costs continue to rise, Perth homeowners are looking for practical ways to reduce their power bills. From energy-saving solutions to simple behavioural changes, a mix of upgrades and adjustments can significantly lower your energy use.
As experts in all aspects of electrical installations and assistance, we are well placed to provide our guide below which offers tips on how to help you save on energy costs.
Getting Your Home Energy Bills Under Control
Reducing your power bill doesn’t have to be difficult if you go about it the right way. A combination of assessing your current energy usage, making informed upgrades and simply changing daily habits can have a significant impact. In our experience, it’s crucial to first understand how and where energy is being used/wasted, so you can target specific areas for improvement.
Assess Your Current Energy Usage
Before you can implement energy-saving solutions, it’s important to know where your home is losing energy and which appliances are consuming the most. This assessment will help you create a roadmap for reducing your power bill effectively.
Conducting an Energy Audit
A home energy audit is a great way to identify where your home is wasting energy. You can perform a DIY audit or hire a professional to inspect your home.
Start by examining the insulation, windows, doors and other areas where air might escape. Look for drafts around windows and doors, and inspect your insulation, because degraded, poor quality or inadequate insulation can lead to excessive heating or cooling costs.
You can also review your energy bills to track usage patterns. Many electricity providers offer tools to help you understand your energy consumption and identify peaks and trends At NJP Electrical, we can also help assess your electrical system and provide recommendations.
Identify High-energy Appliances
Certain appliances, like refrigerators, water heaters and air conditioners consume a lot of energy. Older models especially tend to use more power. Identifying and upgrading these energy-greedy appliances can significantly reduce your energy use.
Energy Saving Solution #1: LED Lighting
Lighting is an area where small changes can make a big difference. Switching to energy-efficient lighting options is one of the simplest ways to save energy at home.
Making the Switch to LED Globes
LED globes use up to 80% less energy and last much longer than incandescent globes, making them a quick and easy way to reduce your power bill. They are especially efficient in high-use areas like kitchens and living rooms and generate less heat, easing the load on your cooling system.
Can You Use Natural Light More Effectively?
Maximising natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting. Keep windows clean and unobstructed so that light can flow through. Consider skylights or mirrors to brighten dark areas. Use light paint on walls to reflect natural light into a room. If possible, plan to do light-sensitive jobs during the brightest parts of the day. In Perth’s sunny climate, these simple actions contribute to saving energy.
Energy Saving Solution #2: Efficient Heating & Cooling
Heating and cooling are often the most energy-intensive processes in the home. Ensuring that your systems are working efficiently can lead to dramatic reductions in energy use.
Invest in Proper Insulation
Efficient, fire-resistant insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature by keeping heat in during winter and out during summer. This reduces the strain on heating and cooling systems, leading to lower energy use.
Energy-efficient HVAC systems
If your HVAC system is over ten years old, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. Newer systems are designed to heat and cool more efficiently. Also,
regular maintenance, like cleaning filters and having an HVAC professional annually check over your air conditioning system, ensures optimal performance.
Energy Saving Solution #3: Upgrade Inefficient Appliances
Upgrading your home appliances to energy-efficient models is another effective way to reduce your power bill. Modern appliances are designed to consume less energy without compromising performance.
Upgrading to Energy-efficient Appliances
When replacing old appliances, opt for high-star rated models like refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and water heaters. Though they may cost more upfront, they use less power and save on energy bills over their lifetime.
Common Culprits
Older appliances such as refrigerators, dryers and air conditioners use excessive electricity. Replacing any appliances over 10-15 years old with energy-efficient models can quickly reduce energy consumption.
Energy Saving Solution #4: Behavioural Changes
Beyond upgrades and new appliances, simple changes in how you use energy such as your behaviour, can bring about a significant impact:
Turn Off Unused Appliances
Many devices, like TVs, computers and microwaves, use energy even in standby mode. Setting on-off timers, using power strips with switches and unplugging rarely used devices can help reduce power consumption.
Optimising Your Thermostat Settings
Adjusting your thermostat by a degree or two can save energy. Lower it in winter, raise it in summer and use programmable thermostats to optimise settings when you’re away.
Bonus: Long-term Energy Saving Investments
For those looking to make a long-term commitment to saving energy at home, there are several larger investments that can pay off over time:
Solar Panels
Perth’s sunny climate makes it ideal for solar energy. Installing solar panels with battery storage can reduce your reliance on the grid and significantly lower your electricity bills. Solar energy is a renewable resource, making it an environmentally friendly and a cost-effective solution for homeowners.
Energy-efficient Windows
Upgrading to double-glazed or energy-efficient windows can further improve your home’s insulation. These windows help to reduce heat loss during winter and prevent heat from entering your home in summer, leading to lower energy usage for heating and cooling. Even simple solutions like window tinting or closing your window blinds or heavy curtains during the heat of the day can make an impact.
Contact NJP Electrical For Home Energy Saving Solutions
At NJP Electrical, we specialise in helping Perth homeowners reduce their energy bills through our range of energy-saving solutions. Whether you’re interested in upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, optimising your heating and cooling systems or wish to install solar panels, our expert team is here to guide you through every step. Contact us today for an energy assessment quotation and start saving energy at home!
