With winter upon us, and the need to heat the home, it’s easy to forget electricity costs can quickly creep up on us. It’s also easy to avoid unnecessary “bill shock”. Here are some simple suggestions on how to save energy, and unwanted expense in your home this winter.

Living areas
Capture the sun’s warmth by opening curtains during the day and closing them before it gets dark. Keep doors, curtains and blinds closed in heated rooms and in the evening place heaters away from the window and seal off draughts.

Bedrooms
Use a hot water bottle or put an extra blanket on the bed instead of using your electric blanket.

Bathroom
Install a AAA-rated water efficient shower head. Shower with the windows open or a fan going to avoid moisture forming – dry air is easier to heat.

Laundry
Wash only full loads and in cold water. Choose a front loading washing machine and use shorter wash cycles. If you’re using the clothes dryer, fill it – it’s more efficient to dry a full load. Clean the clothes dryer lint filter after use and the low heat setting whenever you can.

Kitchen
Only switch on a full dishwasher and use the economy cycle. If your dishwasher can generate its own hot water, use this function as it’s more efficient than using hot water from your cylinder. For the same reason use cold water when boiling water in the kettle.

Defrost food naturally instead of using the microwave. Use a microwave or toaster instead of the oven or stovetop whenever you can. Avoid opening the oven door too often – each time you do the temperature drops by up to 15°C.

Fridges and freezers operate most efficiently when they’re full but not overloaded. Set your freezer at -18°C and your fridge between 2°C and 5°C for greatest efficiency. Leave space around the back of your fridge or freezer for air to circulate. Avoid placing your fridge or freezer next to your oven or stove, or in direct sunlight.

Source: Red Energy