The ACT tradition of recommissioning household heaters on Anzac Day each year is alive and well according to statistics from ActewAGL which have been released this week.
The 2018 energy consumption data collected by ActewAGL shows that Canberrans used about 25 per cent more energy in May than in April.
In a statement accompanying the data, the utility said space heating accounted for half of Canberra households’ annual energy consumption.
“So to help locals save while still keeping their home warm as the winter chill sets in, we have produced our top heating tips,” ActewAGL said.
It said people should minimise the space they try to heat by only heating the rooms they’re using and closing doors to contain the heat.
“Instead of heating your whole bedroom, consider an electric blanket or hot water bottle.”
It said efficient gas space heaters and reverse-cycle air conditioners were cheaper to run than standard electric heaters.
“Portable electric heaters might be cheap to buy, but can be costly to run,” it said.
It also advised householders to reduce the temperature of their hot water storage tanks to 60°C which would save up to 10 per cent on water heating.
“If you have an instantaneous hot water system, check that your thermostat is no higher than 50°C.”
It said star ratings were updated every few years, so “if you bought a five-star heater five years ago, it may no longer be regarded as energy efficient.”
