Hello!

9 Comments

I used to work for a utilty company, and after seeing a MoM question about power bills, I thought I might share some of the power saving tips we used to advise customers;

We all know about insulation, keeping windows shut etc, but here are some others:

The outdoor fridge.

Fridges and freezers kept in sheds or garages, or on the back porch, can use many times as much power as their inside cousins.

What often occurs, during summer when they are exposed to the heat, and have to work overtime to keep cool, damage can be done to the thermostat, meaning it will chew through power, and will continue to do so! So Goodbye beer fridge!

Things on standby.

Small ancedote – fellow called as he had a high bill. We worked out he had 4 large tv’s on standby. He tirned them off, and his next bill dropped by $350.

If you are not using it, turn it off.

Fluro lights

The myth is they cost more to turn on and off than to just leave on.

If it is on, it is using power. If it is off, then it is not using power. Simple really!!

Oil column heaters

These are notorious power consumers, as they are deceptive. There usually is no fan, and no noise, so people tend not to think of them using power (strange but true). Some brands are advertised as being very economical, but often are not.

IXL bathroom light/heater combinations.

These are ok for that short time you are in the bathroom, but DON’T leave them running as it can add up quickly.

That’s all for now as madam has awoken – will add more when I remember them all!


Posted by katelt, 24th July 2013


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  • our last bill was $470… I blame the heater on all night

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  • Thanks for your advice,we have an oil heater and wasn’t sure of it’s power,so we will be wiser now!

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  • great story to read

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  • great to read

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  • i like reading these stories

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  • I’m always telling my husband to turn off the tvs!

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  • Thank you :). I never knew that standby used so much. My electricity bill will hopefully be lower as I have started turning appliances off even the kettle and got rid of my electric heater usually with careful planning I can usually use my gas oven to cook as well as warm things up. Unfortunately my dryer will never be made redundant though.

    Reply

  • That’s so lovely of you, very thoughtful. I had a call recently from make it cheaper and got a big discount.

    Reply

  • Thank you – this is very handy. Massive bills here in Tassie and we haven’t even got the Winter one yet :/

    Reply

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