Close
Winter is here again, and with it usually comes higher electricity bills. But this doesn’t mean you should choose between having a warm, healthy home and keeping more money in your pockets. What you need is to maximise your energy efficiency and get more value for your money.
Besides insulation, LED light bulbs and shorter showers, here are some non-obvious tips and ‘hacks’ you can try.
A good first step is to check that you’re not paying more than the average for power. According to Consumer NZ, most New Zealanders tend to be loyal to the same power retailer for a long time, and as a result, some may be missing out on potential savings.
Websites like Powerswitch allow households to compare power plans and select the most appropriate retailer for their needs and budget. And Consumer NZ says there’s even more you can do to optimise your electricity spending. For example:
Contrary to what some people think, leaving your heat pump on 24/7 is not energy efficient. Make sure you only use it when you actually need and don’t forget to turn it off when you’re away from home. According to Energywise, by switching off when you’re at work, you may be able to reduce your spending by $50 to $100 a month.
You may also be tempted to crank up the thermostat to the maximum temperature, to warm up the room faster. But Canstar NZ is adamant: doing this leads to higher electricity use. “If you’ve come home to a chilly living room, turning a heat pump on and blasting it at 30°C won’t warm your room any faster, although it will cost you a lot more. Set it lower and be patient.”
Better to aim for a healthy temperature of 18°C to 21°C. Also, don’t forget to clean the filter on a regular basis. It’s a quick and easy job, and it could even extend the lifespan of your heat pump: here’s a handy video tutorial from EnergyWise.
Where your heaters or heat pump is positioned can make a big difference to its efficiency. Canstar NZ recommends placing electric heaters on the cold side of your room (for example, near a window – but far from curtains!) to maximise heat distribution. And a floor-mounted heat pump is one of the best solutions for quick heating, provided your furniture is out of the way.
According to Smarterhomes.org.nz, “All houses built before 1960s, and most houses built before the 1980s will need some draught stopping. All ages of homes require maintenance to keep the weather and wind out and the heat in.”
There are several different ways to do draught stopping, from door sausages at the base of doors, through to weather stripping around doors and windows.
Winter hacks abound on the Internet, so if you’re feeling frugal or simply wouldn’t mind trying something new, New Zealand media recently shared some surprising tips from resourceful Kiwis, including:
What’s your power-saving hack?
As mortgage advisers, we strive to help New Zealanders maximise equity in their home. If you’d like to review your mortgage structure or have a mortgage-related question to ask, please give us a call. We look forward to helping you make the most of your property journey.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current development or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.
A full disclosure statement is available on request and free of charge.
