TECO TIPS: 5 Ways to Easily Reduce your Energy Consumption at Home

News and current affair channels are abuzz with the impact of recent increases to our power bills.

While the added expense is causing havoc on many Aussie households, the situation presents a greater incentive for consumers to increase their energy consumption awareness and implement a combination of simple changes to show reduces in energy consumption, and cheaper energy bills.

At TECO we care about our customers and the environment. We have put together a list of 5 ways to easily reduce your energy consumption without the need for dramatic lifestyle changes.

1. Find the Real Off

Often referred to as “phantom power” or “vampire power” appliances in Standby mode still consume low levels of power despite appearing off. With the large number of home appliances, the low energy consumption of each individual appliance collectively adds up to huge wastages, and unnecessary added dollars to our energy bills.

It is important to know the “real off” of your appliances. Often, this will mean turning the power off at the wall or at the source of the energy supply.

2. Know your Features and Settings

Many appliances have features and setting options that use power in standby mode. Check the settings of your appliances and activate only what you need. By deactivating unnecessary features you can reduce your energy consumption without any changes to how you use and enjoy your appliances.

3. Use Timers

The use of timers on appliances is a great way to control power wastage. Be sure to choose the appropriate timer for the job at hand to enjoy optimal benefits.

Did you know that power boards can waste power? By using a timer to control power boards, the wasted energy from “phantom” power is reduced.

There are many great uses for timers in the home to reduce energy usage.  Motion detection lights (both in your driveways and porches as well as inside your home) mean no more arguments about turning off lights. Programmable thermostats avoid heating and cooling unnecessarily while still enjoying a temperature controlled environment.  A thermostat used in conjunction with timers on an air conditioning unit can drastically reduce your running costs.

4. Pick Your Products

It is important to choose a product that meets your requirements while being as energy efficient as possible. This is relative to the product and its features.

The Energy Rating Label enables consumers to compare the energy efficiency of domestic appliances on a fair and equitable basis. The Energy Rating Label was first introduced in 1986 in NSW and Victoria. It is now mandatory in all states and territories for refrigerators, freezer, clothes washers, clothes dryers, dishwashers, televisions and air-conditioners (single phase only) to carry the label when they are offered for sale. Three phase air conditioners may carry an energy label if the suppliers chooses to apply for one.

The Energy Rating Label has two main features:

• The star rating gives a quick comparative assessment of the model’s energy efficiency
• The comparative energy consumption (usually kilowatt hours/year) provides an estimate of the annual energy consumption of the appliance based on the tested energy consumption and information about the typical use of the appliance in the home. Airconditioners show the power consumption of the appliance (kW or kWh/hour).

Be smart about the products that you place in your home.

5. Track Your Usage

Programs and settings that allow you to track your energy usage are great tools for your home. They assist in boosting awareness of how you consume energy at home and how your behaviours translate into energy-consumption.   They also are an effective way of monitoring your expenditure and keeping to your “energy budget”.

TECO’s new TR Series of LCD Televisions are energy-savvy. Not only are they certified with a national energy-saving mark but you can use the “Energy Saving Selection” button on the remote to track energy usage and electricity fees. There are other smart options out there including using pre-paid energy credits cards. Find what is right for you and your household.

4 more Teco tips:

• Laptops use less energy than PCs.
• Front-load washing machines use around 1/3 less water than their top-loader cousins.
• BEWARE of your kettle usage. Boiling a full kettle of water uses more energy so only use enough water as required. Make your tea while the water is still hot to avoid the need to re-boil unnecessarily.
• Make the switch to energy-saving light bulbs. They last longer and use less energy, so its win-win.

Remember to spread the word. Sharing the message and inspiring friends is a step in the right direction to achieve a healthier planet now and in the future.