Turn off the Lights - and other ways to reduce electricity use
In general, it is the heat generating appliances that cost a lot of money ie hot water, heaters, ovens, stove tops and irons
It is worth finding out from your electricity supplier what plan you are on, do you know what times the company heats your water? When you know what times your water is on it is easier to fit your use around the cheaper rates.
Do a little research into the possibility of changing electricity suppliers, but beware of final reading costs, cut off costs, setting up cost and more, these may outweigh the differences.
If you don't have hot water at all, due to earthquake problems, check out this page here - Help! No Hot Water. Toughies who really want to save money should visit the page also!
Learning how to make appliances work for you at a lower cost just takes some time, but here are some hints which you may find useful:
It is worth finding out from your electricity supplier what plan you are on, do you know what times the company heats your water? When you know what times your water is on it is easier to fit your use around the cheaper rates.
Do a little research into the possibility of changing electricity suppliers, but beware of final reading costs, cut off costs, setting up cost and more, these may outweigh the differences.
If you don't have hot water at all, due to earthquake problems, check out this page here - Help! No Hot Water. Toughies who really want to save money should visit the page also!
Learning how to make appliances work for you at a lower cost just takes some time, but here are some hints which you may find useful:
- Turn off the lights in rooms you are not in
- Reduce the amount of ironing you do, only iron items that really need it
- "One Pot" dinners reduce the power used for cooking. Cook double quantities and freeze the remainder for another day
- Fill up hot water bottles, or use wheat bags (click here for a downloadable pattern and instructions) in bedrooms. These really come into their own on a cold night.
- If you can afford timers for heaters that don't have inbuilt timers, do buy them. They are well worth the $10 or so from The Warehouse, Smiths City or similar outlets. You can programme your heater to then only turn on at certain times and to turn off after a pre-programmed time.
- Don't run dishwashers, use the sink.
- Find out if your hot water cylinder has a wrap, if not try to get one fitted.
- Use your fire if you have a wetback.
- Take a short 5min shower rather than a bath.
- Turn down the heat your on your water cylinder to 55C.
- Only wash clothes in cold water. If you are concerned your clothes will not get cen add a little more detergent or pay more attention to spots by hand before setting your washing machine on. Treat stains before hand with a paste of water and washing powder.
- Dry your clothes outside on the line, rather than using a drier. If you are able to get a free laundry service post earthquake, then lucky you!
- Turn off microwaves, ovens etc at the wall, and turn on to use, otherwise they remain on "standby" and continue to use power. It may seem like a small amount, but it soon adds up. If you are using these just for a clock, purchase a cheap clock from a recycling shop.
- Wait till you have a full load of washing before putting a load of clothes on to wash.
REMEMBER: it is important to keep you and your children warm
- Maintain one room in the house as a "warm" room. Even if you can't keep every room comfortable, it is important to have a room that is warm and cosy.
- Utilize any log burners, or open fireplaces that you may have. Many of these have been damaged in the earthquake, or chimneys may be unusable, do make sure you are safe before relighting.
- Put on jumpers and a pair of socks before turning on heaters.
- Wear a hat, it makes a huge difference.
- Pull the curtains at sundown, to keep the heat of the day in the house
HATS - an easy project
Merino, fleece or plain cotton hats are easy to make. Warm and styly, I will post a pattern soon! All you need is an hour or two and a sewing machine.
COMMUNITY ACTION CHARITABLE TRUST
Community Energy Action Charitable Trust
website www.cea.co.nz
0800 388 588
this is a free EECA award winning (community category) Home Energy Advice Service for all questions on home energy issues. Including saving power, advice on power plans, etc.They have also set up a dedicated page on keeping warm after the earthquake: www.cea.co.nz/earthquake or follow them on Facebook.
website www.cea.co.nz
0800 388 588
this is a free EECA award winning (community category) Home Energy Advice Service for all questions on home energy issues. Including saving power, advice on power plans, etc.They have also set up a dedicated page on keeping warm after the earthquake: www.cea.co.nz/earthquake or follow them on Facebook.