Winter on the Sunshine Coast often means higher energy bills due to heating needs and usually using your lights earlier and for longer. At Coope Elec, we help you stay warm without breaking the bank. Here’s how you can optimise your energy usage and save money with a few smart tweaks at home. We will be exploring:
- Efficient heating with serviced air conditioning
- Hot water systems
- Switching to LED lighting
Efficient Heating with Serviced Air Conditioning
Optimising your air conditioning system for heating is a great way to reduce your winter energy bill. A well-serviced air conditioner uses less energy and reduces costs. According to Canstar Blue, nearly a third of Australian households see air conditioning as the largest contributor to power bills due to its significant energy consumption. Reducing your air conditioner’s electricity usage is one of the best ways to save on power this winter.
Regular Maintenance
Schedule regular air conditioner service checks with Coope Elec to prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure your system runs efficiently. Our qualified Electricians will check airflow, clean filters, and ensure the heating function is in top condition. By keeping your air conditioner in good working order, you can lower electricity usage and avoid more costly maintenance in the future.
Upgrade to a More Efficient System
If your air conditioner is outdated, consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model. Modern air conditioners use less energy to produce the same amount of heat, significantly lowering your bills.
Hot Water System Efficiency
Hot water systems can also be major energy consumers during winter. Here’s how to manage this:
Insulation
Add insulation to your hot water pipes to reduce heat loss, meaning less energy is required to heat the water.
Upgrade Your System
How old is your hot water system? If your hot water system is outdated, upgrade to a more energy-efficient model. Look for systems with high energy star ratings for maximum efficiency.
Switching to LED Lighting
As we head into winter, the days get shorter and shorter. In fact, here in Queensland, we can lose over 3 hours of sunlight in winter when compared to summer! With fewer daylight hours, you will find that you are switching on lights earlier in winter, and leaving lights on for longer. Switching to LED bulbs is an effective way to reduce energy consumption.
Energy Efficiency
LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. This saves you on light bulb replacement costs as well as energy usage.
Brighter and Better
LED bulbs provide better light quality, making your home brighter in the darker winter months.
Additional Tips for Saving Energy in Winter
Looking to really save this winter? Here are some extra tips:
- Seal Drafts: Ensure windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent heat from escaping.
- Smart Thermostats: Install a smart thermostat to manage heating efficiently by automatically adjusting temperatures.
- Use Timers: Utilise timers on your heating system to warm the house only when necessary, preventing energy waste.
Contact Our Sunshine Coast Electricians
Staying warm in winter doesn’t have to mean high energy bills. It doesn’t mean you can’t turn the heater on either! With the right practices and electrical upgrades, you can reduce energy consumption and enjoy a comfortable home without financial stress.
Matt and the team at Coope Elec offers expert advice, installation, and maintenance services to make your home warm, comfortable and more energy-efficient this winter. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
Enquire online with Coope Elec for a free quote for your electrical needs. You can contact our electricians today by calling 0429 200 459, emailing us at admin@coopeelec.com.au or contacting us through our website.
