Hot Water Systems and Energy Savings

Electricity bills are about to go up as the season changes and temperatures drop. One of the biggest domestic energy guzzlers is the electric hot water system.

 According to SwitchWise: “If you have an electric hot water system with a storage tank then you are well on your way to having a shocking power bill. If you are unlucky enough to run your electric hot water on a single (peak) rate tariff then you could be looking at $70-$100 per month for your hot water. If you are fortunate to have an off-peak, hard wired electric hot water system on an off-peak tariff the running cost would be a lot lower, at $25-$40 per month. “To reduce the amount of power your hot water uses look at turning down the thermostat setting. Decreasing your thermostat 5 degrees could reduce your electricity consumption by up to 5 per cent. Around 60C seems to be the minimum level advised by health experts to ensure no bacteria build up in your system.”  

Wind Farms and Energy Conservation

Energy conservation is a rising topic among companies and individuals. Offices, schools, stores and homes can all benefit by minimizing energy use. National Geographic explains a bit about conservation and wind energy as a new power source. Wind farms can be a disturbance in residential areas, but several solutions have been brought forth, including smaller turbines, placing the farms far from communities, and of course, energy efficiency and conservation.

Heating Costs and Energy Saving

One of the largest energy consumers in the home is heating. Winter months, therefore, often result in high energy bills. In fact, heating accounts for 35-50% of annual energy bills in colder regions.

There are several ways to reduce heating costs. First, it is important to fully seal the home from the weather; this alone can reduce energy use by 15-30%. Hire a professional if you don’t feel confident going over your home by yourself.

Next, make sure to use energy efficient heaters. Central heating systems are often the most expensive, so make sure to always use a thermostat. Radiators and space heaters should be set with timers or thermostats as well. These allow you to turn off the central heating when only specific rooms are in use. Make sure to turn off all heating devices when the house in empty.