Which Household Appliances Use the Most Power? And How Can You Potentially Save Thousands Per Year?

Tired of those hefty power bills? Looking to do your part for the environment by reducing your energy consumption? We've put together a list of practical tips to help you cut down on your power usage and keep more money in your pocket while contributing to a sustainable New Zealand.

Home Heating (30-35% of your power bill)

• Choose the right heater for your space. Portable electric heaters are efficient, but heat pumps can be even more so (over 300% efficient).
  
• Focus on heating the room you're in rather than the entire house.
  
• Set your heat pump to 20°C or use a heater with a thermostat.
  
• Keep heat pump filters clean and avoid "Auto" mode, which consumes more power.
  
• Use heated towel rails and electric blankets sparingly, and use timers on heaters to turn them off when not needed.

Hot Water (30% of your power bill)

• Lower your hot water temperature to 55°C at the tap.
  
• Opt for showers over baths, especially with energy-efficient showerheads.
  
• Fix dripping taps promptly, as they can waste both water and money.
  
• Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes to prevent heat loss.
  
• Use cold water for your electric jug and consider using a plug while washing dishes to minimize water usage.
  
• Utilize the cold wash cycle in your washing machine, as it is often sufficient for cleaning clothes.
  

Refrigerators and Freezers (12% of your power bill)

• Look for appliances with high Energy Rating labels when buying new ones.
• Maintain a constant temperature of approximately 4°C for the fridge and -18°C for the freezer.
• Regularly defrost freezers and ensure proper ventilation around your fridge.
• Keep door seals clean and secure, and avoid leaving the door open unnecessarily.
• Borrow a checkmeter to assess your appliance's energy usage if you suspect it's not operating efficiently.
• Defrost food in the fridge instead of the microwave to help cool the fridge.

Cooktops and Stoves (10-15% of your power bill)

• Use appliances like microwaves, air-fryers, pressure cookers, and electric fry pans, which consume less power than ovens.
• Only use as much water as necessary when cooking or using the kettle and keep pot lids on.
• Match pan size to element size for maximum efficiency.
• When using the oven, try to cook multiple items simultaneously to make the most of your energy.
• Regularly check oven seals, and avoid using the oven as a heater.

Lighting (8% of your power bill)

• Remember to turn off lights when you leave a room.
• Install energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use 85% less power and last significantly longer than incandescent bulbs.
• Keep light bulbs and fixtures clean to maintain optimal lighting output.

Washing Machines and Dryers

• Use the cold wash cycle for laundry, as it consumes far less electricity.
• Drying clothes outside is the most energy-efficient option. If you need to use a dryer, dry your clothes outside first to reduce drying time.

Curtains, Window Seals, Draft Stoppers, and Ventilation

• Close curtains before sundown to trap heat in your home and ensure a snug fit around window frames.
• Open curtains on sunny days to benefit from natural heating.
• Seal windows and doors to prevent drafts, and use draft stoppers to keep cold air out.
• Ventilate your home during fine days, wipe away condensation, and use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
  

Insulation and Double Glazing

• Consider ceiling and floor insulation to reduce heat loss by up to 50%.
• Retrofit double glazing to existing windows or use window film to enhance insulation.
  

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your power usage, lower your energy bills, and contribute to a more sustainable New Zealand. It's a win-win for your wallet and the planet!

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