With such substantial advancements in technology, it comes as no surprise that our power bills may have escalated since previous times. However, it does make us ask the question, how much power is actually needed to run an average home in 2019?
Such advances comes with changes within people’s lifestyles. What classifies to fall under the category of an average home? When it comes to electricity, there are so many factors to consider including:
- how many electrical appliances you have and how often you use them
- what temperature do you keep your home (how often do you use air conditioning and heating)
- how big is your house
- What time of day do you use your electrical appliances
- do you have a pool or spa
According to The New Zealand Electricity Authority, the average annual electricity bill is $2,363.
In a typical household:
27% of electricity is consumed through water heating
20% of electricity is consumed through electronics
17% of electricity is consumed by refrigeration
15% of electricity is consumed by heating
13 % of electricity is consumed by lighting
And 5% of electricity is consumed through cooking and 3% by clothes drying.
The top appliances that are used within an average home includes:
- dishwasher: 282 kWh, $74.03 per year
- heat pump: 1774 kWh, $465.34 per year
- air conditioning: $600 per year
- clothes dryer: 574 kWh, $150.66 per year
- washing machine: 115 kWh, $30.16 per year
- fridge/freezer: 343 kWh, $89.92 per year
- television: 192 kWh, $33.93 per year
- computer/laptop: 88 kWh, $22.96 per year
Power Saving Tips
To avoid bill shock, introduce these tips into your lifestyle so you can achieve the best use out of your electrical appliances without breaking the bank.
Maintain consistent temperatures
Avoid turning your heating and air conditioning on and off several times throughout the day as this can lead to an increase in your electricity bill. Maintain a regular temperature, generally 24 degrees during Summer and 19 degrees in Winter as by doing so, it will avoid the appliances in over working. If you find that these temperatures are not comfortable for you, find alternative methods to stay cool / keep warm such as close the curtains to create shade within the house or throw on an extra jumper to keep you warm.
Use your electrical appliances during off-peak hours
Use your electrical appliances whilst everyone else isn’t! Why? You will be paying a lower price. The off-peak time slots are between 9am and 5pm and 9pm and 7am every day in New Zealand. As most people are at work or asleep during these hours, the best way to do this is by taking advantage of the timer functions available on most electrical appliances.
Air dry rather than machine dry
The average clothes dryer uses 574 kWh of energy per year which equates to $150.66 per year.
To bring these costs down, when possible, dry your clothes outside or on a clothes horse inside during winter to help reduce energy costs. Fresh air and sun will help kill bacteria and dust mites which is an added bonus. However, if you can’t part ways with your clothes dryer, spin-dry your clothes first in your washing machine as it uses a lot less electricity to spin the water and will result in less consumption time in the dryer.
Insulate your home
Insulation is an important area to look into when trying to cut your electricity costs down as effective insulation within homes can save up to 45% per year on electricity costs. Insulation helps maintain comfortable temperatures within the home which can eliminate the need for air conditioning and heating systems.
Check your appliance settings
Most electrical appliances these days have an eco / energy saving mode which can allow you to shave a few extra dollars off your next electricity bill. Check the settings on your appliances and turn this function on when available.
Other Helpful Tips
- Only use your dishwasher and washing machine when full
- Wash your clothes with cold water
- Switch appliances off at the wall when not in use
- Check the market and ensure that you’re with the best electricity provider
- Switch unnecessary lights off around the house when not in use
- Switch to LED / energy saving lights – contact an Auckland electrician for LED lighting installation Auckland.
- Switch your computer to sleep mode when not in use
- Time your showers
- Invest in solar panels
If you have any enquiries on how to introduce these tips within your own home, get in touch with Northern Lights for Auckland electrical services. Aside from the services we provide to homes in Auckland, we are your electrician Glenfield, electrician Takapuna, electrician Rosedale and other regions across the North Shore. We provide 24/7 service and no-obligation quotes. Get in touch with your residential electricians Auckland today!