Energex has released its winter advice on how to keep warm while curbing power usage.
The utility’s Energy Efficiency team member, Robert Wilson said winter was obviously the time people ramped up heating, but using electrical appliances wisely was the key to keeping power bills down.
“On cold winter days we see a significant increase in demand on the power network with people plugging in their heaters and electric blankets and taking a longer hot shower,” Mr Wilson said.
“The cheapest way to heat your home with an electrical appliance is often already hanging on your walls – and that’s your reverse cycle air-conditioner.”
He said the average-sized reverse cycle system could cost less than half to run at around 28c an hour compared to 62c an hour for a 2,400w plug-in type heater.
“To ensure your reverse cycle air-conditioner is running at its most efficient now’s the time to give its filters a clean before using them,” Mr Wilson said.
However, if plug-in type heaters were the only form of heating, he suggested a couple of simple tips to cool the power bill.
“If you’re in the market for a plug-in heater look for one with a thermostat that can reduce power usage when it gets to the correct temperature rather than the cheaper ones which will continue to draw lots of power, making them more expensive in the long run,” Mr Wilson said.
“If you’re leaving a room for a longer period, switch the heater off altogether and switch off electric blankets when you jump out of bed in the morning,” he advised.
