Energy saving tips

Being mindful of how we use and consume energy can have an impact on your wallet and our planet. We have put together some energy saving tips that we think could make a big difference to your energy bill.

• Switch off your lights if they are not needed and as you leave a room.
• Switch off appliances at the wall. Standby mode uses power too.
• Use timers on your heaters and other appliances, so you don't forget to turn them off when you don't need them.
• Add an extra blanket on your bed instead of using an electric blanket.
• Clean lights and lampshades to get maximum light.

• Close your curtains and blinds at night to help keep your home warm and cosy. Open them up on sunny days.
• Open windows on fine days and wipe condensation off windows.
• Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to avoid creating steam and dampness.
• Switch to washing your clothes using cold water. And dry your washing on an outside clothesline as often as possible.
• Cut back any trees or shrubs blocking windows on the sunny side of your home.

• Have showers instead of baths and try to keep them less than five minutes. Did you know cutting a few minutes off shower times could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
• Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they're full.
• Only use the water you need in the kettle or when cooking and using the right size pots and pans could also help save money.
• Check your hot water temperature and your cylinder. If your hot water is over 60°C when it comes out of the tap, you may want to turn down the thermostat. Or, if you notice the cylinder is always running, or there is hot water coming out into the drain or your roof overflow pipe, then you should contact your electrician to check its running okay.

• Check your home's insulation. Good insulation can be one of the best ways to save energy.
• Wrap your hot water cylinder and hot water pipes helps to prevent heat loss.
• Get the right heater. Using the right type of heater is hugely important. Check you get the most efficient ones for your space. An efficient heat pump that suits your home and local climate is a seriously low carbon option.
• Use a dehumidifier to keep your house dry which makes it easier to heat.
• Switch to LED lightbulbs. They cost a bit more upfront, but they use up to 85% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 15 times longer. An additional tip is to clean lights and lampshades to get maximum light.
• Stop the drafts from your windows, doors, and chimneys. Window and door seals, and compounds are available from most hardware and DIY stores.
• Check the seals on your fridge and freezer. Worn seals will lead to them using more power. Most appliance retailers can supply replacement seals. Replace old appliances with ones that have a high-energy star rating.
• Replace tap washers at the first sign of leaks.

Being on the right electricity plan for your home could save you money.

We offer Standard User and Low User options for most of our residential electricity plans (note the Low User plan is only available at your primary residence and does not apply to secondary dwellings, holiday homes or businesses).

Your best plan option depends on the amount of electricity you use.
You'll find your home's annual and monthly electricity use below the usage graph on your latest bill, or in the Nova Hub.

If your daily charge is either 90 or 105.88 cents/day, you're on a Low User plan. If it's higher, you're on a Standard User plan.
To change your plans, email us, contact us via the Nova Hub, or call 0800 668 236.

For more tips and articles on energy saving, visit the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority's (EECA) Live more with less energy | Gen Less website.