Living in a beautiful country like New Zealand, we all want to do our part to protect our environment. But you might be wondering, how can I make a real difference?
There are many ways to reduce your environmental impact, and a great place to start is right at home! By improving your home’s energy efficiency, you can save money on your bills and help reduce your carbon footprint.
We’ll explore some simple and effective ways to make your home more energy efficient.
What is Energy Efficiency?
Energy efficiency simply refers to using less energy to achieve the same outcome. In simpler terms, it’s about getting more out of the energy you use. Energy-efficient practices often involve upgrading to newer technologies or adopting smarter habits, which can improve the performance of your appliances and home systems.
So, energy efficiency isn’t just about saving energy; it’s about getting smarter with your energy use to maximise benefits for your wallet and the planet
Why is Home Energy Efficiency Important in New Zealand?
There are many great reasons to make your Kiwi home more energy efficient.
Here’s a closer look of the key benefits:
Environment-friendly
The biggest advantage of an energy-efficient home is its positive impact on our environment. In New Zealand, a significant portion of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
By using less energy at home, we can all play a part in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and minimising greenhouse gas emissions.
Financial Saver
Energy-efficient homes are simply cheaper to run. By implementing some easy measures, you’ll use less energy, which translates directly to lower power bills. Think of all the good things you can do with the money you save – from treating yourself to a nice meal to investing in further home improvements!
Increased Comfort
Here’s a surprising benefit – energy-efficient homes are often more comfortable to live in! Sealing air leaks and improving insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home, eliminating those drafts and hot spots. A well-insulated home means a more pleasant and comfortable place to relax and enjoy the Kiwi lifestyle.
Why Focus on Home Energy Efficiency in New Zealand?
Did you know that New Zealand homes account for a significant portion of the country’s overall energy use?
In fact, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), residential energy use accounts for about 20% of New Zealand’s total energy consumption. This translates to roughly 13.73 thousand gigawatt hours of electricity used in homes in 2023, and this number is expected to rise further.
Making small changes to your daily habits can have a big impact on your home’s energy use. The good news is, even a 10% reduction can significantly lower your electricity bill and shrink your carbon footprint.
Simple Steps to Supercharge Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Here are some easy-to-implement tips to get you started on your journey to a more energy-efficient home:
Power Down Electronics When Not in Use
It’s easy to leave electronics like televisions, computers, and game consoles on standby mode, even when not actively being used. While the amount of energy consumed in standby mode may seem insignificant for a single device, the cumulative impact of multiple electronics can be a significant one. Make it a habit to turn off electronics completely when not in use.
Invest in Smart Power Strips
Smart power strips can be a valuable tool for reducing energy consumption. These power strips come with built-in timers or motion sensors that can automatically turn off electronics that are not in use. For example, you can connect your television, gaming consoles, and other entertainment devices to a smart power strip that automatically powers them down when no motion is detected for a set period.
Harness the Power of Natural Light
New Zealand is blessed with an abundance of sunshine, so take advantage of it! Open up your curtains and blinds during the day to let natural light brighten your home. This will help reduce your reliance on artificial lighting.
Switch to LED Light Bulbs
Swap out those old bulbs! LED lighting uses up to 80% less energy than those energy-gobbling incandescent, and they can last up to 15 times longer.
Sure, the upfront cost might be a touch higher, but just like the other eco-friendly upgrades, the savings add up fast. Imagine hundreds of dollars saved on electricity bills over the lifespan of the bulb!
Choose an All-Electric Household
Switching to electric appliances can save you money and help the environment! Electric appliances are becoming more affordable and efficient, especially for heating, hot water, cooking and even vehicles.
All-electric homes can save you over $1,000 a year on energy bills. An all-electric home cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 85% compared to mixed-fuel homes.
Insulate Your Home
Start by tackling your ceiling and underfloor areas, as these are major pathways for heat loss. Different types of insulation exist, including ceiling, underfloor, and wall insulation. Different insulation types offer varying levels of protection, measured by R-value. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. While insulation is key, windows can also be a weak spot.
Explore window solutions like insulation film, double glazing, or thermal curtains. Blocking drafts around doors and windows is a simple and affordable way to improve energy efficiency.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Identify appliances that work the hardest. Refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers are prime candidates for an upgrade due to their frequent use. Look for appliances with high Energy Star rating labels.
These labels indicate superior energy efficiency, ensuring you get the most performance out of your investment. Right sizing your appliances to your needs can make a big difference. For example, a smaller refrigerator might be perfect for a single person household.
Consider Solar Power
Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source that can help you reduce your reliance on the grid. Imagine paying just 6 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) compared to the grid’s 24 cents per kWh – that’s a 75% reduction!
While there’s an upfront cost for installation (around $10,000 for a typical system), solar panels boast a lifespan of 25-30 years. This translates to incredibly cheap electricity over the long term, especially considering the minimal maintenance required.
Know The Right Way to Dry Clothes
Take advantage of your washing machine’s spin cycle! The more water removed during spinning, the less work your dryer needs to do. This translates to shorter drying times and lower energy consumption. Avoid overloading your dryer. Clothes need space to tumble freely for efficient drying. A crammed dryer takes longer to dry clothes, wasting energy.
Whenever possible, take advantage of natural drying power! Hang clothes outside on a sunny day to save energy and get that fresh scent.
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings in your home can allow conditioned air to escape, forcing your heating and cooling systems to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Identifying and sealing air leaks can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. Caulking is a simple and effective way to seal air leaks around windows and doors. You can also weatherstrip doors and windows to create a tighter seal.
Get Professional Help
While DIY tips and tricks have value, bringing in a professional energy auditor unlocks a wealth of benefits. Trained auditors possess the knowledge and tools to identify hidden energy leaks you might miss.
They’ll meticulously examine your home’s insulation, heating and cooling systems, appliances, and air leaks, pinpointing areas where energy is being wasted. With their expertise, you can achieve significant energy savings and create a more comfortable living environment.
Master Your Energy Efficiency with Aotea Electric Ashburton
Aotea Electric Ashburton is your local team of certified experts in transforming your Kiwi home to be kinder to the environment and your wallet. Our comprehensive energy audits pinpoint areas where your home is losing precious energy.
Based on the audit, we recommend and install energy-efficient solutions. Our master electricians ensure all installations are completed safely and meet the latest standards, giving you complete peace of mind.
Embrace a more sustainable future for your home. Contact Us today and see how we can transform your energy use!
