How can I save power?
No cost
- Keep windows, curtains and blinds closed during the day to stop the summer sun from getting into the house
- At night time, open windows and blinds to let hot air out and cool air in. If you have west facing windows, open them in the late afternoon to let the sea breeze in
- At the start of summer, clean the filters in your air conditioner. This means your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard when cooling your house
- Before turning on the air conditioner, try using a fan, you could save up to $200 a year
- Keep your air conditioner setting at 24 degrees – every degree lower you set your air conditioner can significantly affect running costs during the summer
- Keep the doors to the room you’re trying to cool closed when using the air conditioner. This prevents cool air from escaping and the air conditioner isn’t cooling rooms you’re not using
Low cost
- Put some shade cloth over your east and west facing windows. This will stop some of the sun before it hits your windows and heating up your house
- Plant deciduous trees/ bushes on the western and eastern sides of your house. These will block summer sun but let winter sun through
Higher cost
- Install roof insulation. This will prevent heat entering the house but also the cool air from your air conditioner escaping
- Install 'whirly birds' or roof ventilators on your roof. This will remove hot air from the roof cavity, helping keep the house cool
No cost
- Set your heater or thermostat to between 18 and 20 degrees, as every degree warmer can increase your running costs by up to 10%
- When the temperature starts to drop, grab a jumper, some woolly socks or a blanket, instead of reaching for the heater or turning on your electric blanket
- Adjust your storage hot water system from 80°C to 60°C
- Close your curtains at night to trap the heat inside and check there are no drafts entering under doors or through cracks
- When you have the heater on, keep the doors shut and windows closed so the warmth stays in the room
Low cost
- Even a small 1200W bar heater can chew through a dollar every four hours. Reduce the heat loss from the room by using a more efficient product, like a high-star rated reverse-cycle air-conditioner or an oil heater with a thermostat that turns off the heating once a set temperature is reached
- An uninsulated ceiling means you could be losing up to 45% of your heating through the roof
For more tips and to create your personal energy saving plan visit Synergy.
Western Australia’s electricity use continues to grow, especially during peak periods. The term peak demand refers to the times of day when as a community our electricity consumption is at its highest. In addition, Western Power understands the rising cost of electricity is being felt by many households. By working together as a community to reduce our electricity use, particularly during peak periods, we can help to ensure a reliable and affordable supply for everyone.
Reducing your electricity use brings a number of benefits:
- Saving money:
- reducing your power bills
- in the long term by reducing the need for more generators and network infrastructure (costs which get passed onto customers)
- It reduces greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change. While renewable sources of energy, like wind, play an increasing role in our system, the vast majority of our electricity is still generated from fossil fuels like gas, oil and coal. Reducing our electricity use reduces the flow of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Small changes to the way we use electricity can make a big difference.
- Turn off your second fridge and save up to $200 a year
- Turn off standby power and save up $150 a year
- Replacing your old incandescent lights with CFLs could save you up to $165 a year
- Replacing 10 downlights with 10 LED lights could save you up to $150 a year
- Adjusting your storage hot water system from 80 degrees to 60 degrees could save you up to $70 a year
- During summer and warm weather, try not to use your clothes dryer and save up to $95 a year
- Washing your clothes in cold water could save up to $40 a year
- Reducing washing machine and dishwasher loads by one each week, and only washing will full loads could save you up to $50 a year
- Two family members reducing their shower time from 8 minutes to 4 minutes could save up to $170 a year
- Make sure you don’t use your pool pump longer than is recommended in the operation manual. When you do use your pool pump, try to avoid the peak electricity use period of 4pm to 8pm
Before you leave don’t forget to:
- Turn your electrical appliances off at the wall – leaving your appliances on standby still uses electricity
- Turn off timers – if you have any appliances (including your air conditioner), on a timer make sure you don’t waste electricity and money by leaving them on when not needed
- Switch off the second fridge – if your second fridge is only used for keeping drinks cool, turning it off when you’re away is a simple way to save electricity
When you’re on holiday it’s easy to be energy efficient:
- When you go out switch off the air conditioner - closing curtains and blinds will block out the hot sun and keep it cool inside without wasting electricity
- Keep up your good energy saving habits – remember to not leave lights on and appliances on standby before you head out for the day
- Beat the peak between 4pm and 8pm – if you’re staying in a holiday home help beat the peak by using major appliances (e.g. dishwashers and washing machines), outside of these hours
Source: Perth Solar City program 2012, for more information visit perthsolarcity.com.au
The cost of electricity has risen sharply in recent years. If you are experiencing financial hardship and cannot pay your power bill, help may be available.
The State Government offers rebates and concessions which provide financial assistance to eligible households.