Queenslanders welcomed the start of winter with a confirmation that many suspected, but hoped wouldn’t be the case. On May 31, the Queensland Competition Authority announced that electricity prices for households would increase by 22.6 per cent or around $268.00 annually. While the new increases are not set to begin until 2013-14, it’s undoubtedly another blow for Queenslanders, especially households that are already struggling under the current prices.
Even if the advice below is already implemented to some level in your home, our Brisbane electricians here at Bevan Robinson Electrical would like to give a reminder of some key things homeowners can do to reduce energy usage this winter and by doing so, minimise the financial pressure from increasing energy costs.
Ways to keep warm and save money
It may sound obvious, but wearing warm clothes and footwear reduces reliance on electrical heaters. Since Queenslanders have far fewer cold nights compared to southern states, limiting the use of indoor heaters and wearing extra layers and blankets will make a significant difference to ease pressure on household heating costs. Here’s what else.
• Avoid use of electric blankets unless needed, and hot water bottles can be used instead. Hot water bottles cost less than 2 cents each time to boil and stay warm instead. If using heaters always remember to turn these off before going to sleep, and when you’re not home.
• Take measures to draught proof your home, since these can account for up to 25 per cent of heat lost from your home. Using Door snakes for gaps under doors, or using towels and sealing window cracks are ways to reduce warm air escaping.
• If using a heater, close off any rooms that you or your family are not using. This heats a space more effectively, efficiently and you’ll feel the warmth sooner.
While doing this is understandably cold comfort for homeowners who may have already been trying to reduce energy use, these new price increases give people little choice but to rethink the way they use electricity, and make changes where possible. Keep checking our blog for more energy conservation tips and advice in the home. For electrical work in Brisbane, call Bevan Robinson Electrical, the Brisbane and bayside’s premier team of electrical contractors. Phone (07) 3893 2792.