Energy Saving Tips Guide for Homeowners

Summer in New Zealand means longer days, more sunshine, and unfortunately, higher energy bills if we rely heavily on air conditioning and electric lighting. With a few smart strategies, you can make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable, while also cutting down on your energy bills. Here is a comprehensive guide filled with practical, energy-saving tips for homeowners.

1. Maximise Natural Lighting

Using natural light during the day is one of the easiest ways to reduce energy consumption.

Install Sun Tubes: Sun tubes are a great way to bring natural light into dark areas like hallways and bathrooms, reducing the need for electric lights during daylight hours.
Clean Windows: Make sure your windows are clean and clear from obstructions. This will allow maximum light to enter your home, brightening your living space without using extra electricity.

2. Use Natural Ventilation

Take advantage of the natural breezes to cool your home during summer.

Cross-Ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides of your home to create cross-ventilation, which helps keep the air flowing and cools down the interior.
Ventilate at the Right Times: During early mornings and late evenings, open up your windows and doors when the outside temperature is cooler, allowing fresh air to circulate and cool down the house.

3. Invest in Proper Insulation

Proper insulation keeps the heat out in summer and the warmth in during winter, making your home more energy-efficient.

Ceiling and Wall Insulation: Ensure that your ceiling and walls are insulated to minimise temperature fluctuations, which helps maintain comfortable indoor conditions without over-relying on air conditioning.
Seal Gaps: Look for gaps around doors, windows, and other openings, and seal them properly to prevent warm air from entering and cool air from escaping.

4. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Appliances account for a large portion of your household’s energy usage, so upgrading to energy-efficient models can make a big difference.

Energy Ratings: Choose appliances with high energy ratings. Appliances like fridges, washing machines, and dishwashers with higher star ratings use less energy and are better for both the environment and your wallet.
Smart Power Strips: Use smart power strips to prevent electronics from drawing power when they are not in use. This helps reduce phantom energy consumption.

5. Use Blinds and Curtains Wisely

Controlling the amount of sunlight that enters your home can help manage indoor temperatures.

Close Blinds During Peak Heat: During the hottest part of the day, close blinds or curtains to keep the sun’s heat out. Reflective blinds are particularly useful as they can deflect sunlight and reduce indoor temperature.
Thermal Curtains: Consider installing thermal curtains, which not only block sunlight during summer but also provide insulation during winter.

6. Leverage Energy-Efficient Lighting

Switching to energy-efficient lighting can greatly reduce electricity costs.

Use LED Bulbs: Replace incandescent bulbs with LED ones. LEDs use up to 80% less energy and last significantly longer, saving you money in the long run.
Use Task Lighting: Instead of illuminating an entire room, use task lighting to light only the area you are using. This approach is more energy-efficient, especially when you don’t need a lot of light.

7. Maintain Cooling Systems

Keeping your air conditioning system well-maintained ensures it runs efficiently.

Service Air Conditioners Regularly: Make sure your air conditioning unit is serviced regularly to maintain its efficiency.
Use Fans Wisely: Ceiling fans are great for circulating cool air. Use them in combination with your air conditioning to distribute cool air more effectively, allowing you to set your AC to a higher temperature and save energy.

8. Embrace Renewable Energy

Consider renewable energy sources to power your home.

Install Solar Panels: If possible, consider installing solar panels to power your home with clean energy. Solar panels can greatly reduce your dependence on the grid, especially during sunny summer months.
Solar Water Heaters: Solar water heaters are another great way to harness renewable energy and cut down on electricity use.

Download the Guide

To keep these energy-saving tips handy, download our Energy-Saving Tips Guide for Homeowners and start making your home more efficient today.

Download the Energy-Saving Tips Guide

Start Saving Energy Today!

Maximising energy efficiency in your home can lead to big savings on your energy bills, a more comfortable living environment, and a reduced environmental impact. If you want to learn more about how sun tubes and other energy-efficient solutions can work for you, get in touch.