Australia is brimming with green energy opportunities that aren’t being used advantageously. Not only do these forms of renewable energy save consumers money but they are also a more environmentally friendly form of power. With rising electricity prices and increasing pressure on fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources, switching to more energy efficient appliances and cleaner, renewable energy sources is cost-effective and is an intelligent option in the long-term.
As an electrician, I spend plenty of time working with old and new versions of power, and I’ve noticed customers are leaning towards greener products that are cheaper in the long run. Here are some handy ways to upgrade to more energy efficient methods, ranging from an easy swap out to a more complex installation. Becoming more energy efficient doesn’t have to be expensive, but it will definitely save you a pretty penny in the long run!
Switch to LED or compact fluorescent lighting
This has to be the simplest way to become more energy efficient. It’s as organising a new light installation to replace your old halogen and incandescent light globes for new, more efficient LED or compact fluorescent ones. Use our LED calculator to see how much you could be saving by getting an electrician in and becoming ‘greener’. Unlike halogen bulbs, LED and compact fluorescent globes don’t generate heat which will more than likely see you use less energy powering your air conditioner. Get your local electrician out to start swapping bulbs and make your household more energy efficient!
When planning a renovation consider cooling and heating
Most dramatic renovations lend you the opportunity to look at heating and cooling options. Consider going with options that require less power upfront, like putting in extra insulation and carpet floors for the chilly winter months, and tint windows, install ceiling fans and have better cross ventilation for those hot summer months. Saving energy via good design upfront ensures a comfortable living situation and minimises your long term footprint and energy bills.
Choose new appliances with good energy ratings
When it’s time to upgrade your white goods, kitchen electronics, portable heaters and other household electronics ensure that you pay attention to the energy efficiency rating. New appliances like fridges, washing machines, televisions and dishwashers are clearly marked with star ratings. For smaller electric appliance upgrades you can do a bit of research before purchasing to see which brand and make is the most efficient. It might also be good to have an electrician put in a safety switch to ensure all your ‘pluggables’ are safe in the case of a power surge.
Turn off electronics when not in use
It doesn’t take being an electrician to know by turning off appliances at the switch and removing them from the powerpoint you can ensure no electricity is put to waste. Even when appliances are switched off, small amounts of electricity are used and therefore wasted if the powerpoint is not also switched off. Plug your electronics into an electrical board and switch it off at the source when not in use.
Become a part of GreenPower
The Green Power Program is a government managed scheme that enables households and businesses to offset their electricity usage with certified renewable energy, which is added to the grid on their behalf. By purchasing GreenPower, customers are supporting renewable energy production. GreenPower is 5-8 cents per kW more expensive that other electricity prices if you elect to use 100 percent GreenPower, though smaller contributions cost less. Speak to your local electrician to assess your power usage and access to the Green Power Program.
If you want to find out more about making your home more energy efficient and saving on your electricity bill, an electrician at Electric Express can help. We are happy to assess your home for energy efficiency, install new and more efficient lighting, and assess the safety of your electrical network. Give us a call for an energy efficiency assessment on 0411 188 492.