An Electrician’s Tips On How To Lower Your Power Bill | Power Saving Tips From Hines Electrical

Ways To Save On Your Electric Bill

Practical, power saving tips to reduce your electricity bill

Remember when you were a kid and your dad kept telling you to shut the outside doors and turn off the lights? Now that you’re paying the power bill, you might feel a bit more sympathetic. Electricity costs add up fast, particularly during winter, when we’re all cranking up the heaters, using the dryer for laundry, and spending more time inside.

Apart from closing doors and switching off lights, how can you reduce your power bill? Here are some practical power saving tips from the expert electricians at Hines Electrical.

What costs make up your electricity bill?

The average Kiwi home uses around 27% of its electricity on water heating, 20% on home heating, and 16% running major appliances. The remaining power goes to electronics, lighting and cooking. With heating making up the bulk of the bill, it makes sense to focus your energy-saving efforts in these areas.

What factors affect your power bill?

Factors that affect the size of your bill include where you live, the type of electricity plan you’re on, and how you consume energy.

Where you live

Your location can impact your power bill for a couple of reasons. Cooler areas require more power for heating, while hotter areas may need air conditioning. In New Zealand, there are also regional variations that affect the cost of power, with smaller towns and rural areas facing higher prices because of higher infrastructure costs.

The type of electricity plan you are on

The type of electricity plan and your power provider can also influence your bill. There are several plan types available in New Zealand. Standard plans give you a set rate for power at all times, time-of-use plans vary rates depending on time of day or week, and speciality plans are designed for different needs. For example, holiday home plans charge only for limited use, while electric vehicle (EV) plans offer cheaper rates for charging overnight.

Your energy consumption patterns

Naturally, your electricity use patterns can affect your power bill – especially if your power plan doesn’t align with your needs. If you use more power during peak times, work from home, or have young children, you’re likely to heat your house more often and have a higher power bill. Young professionals, who tend to spend more time away from home, do fewer loads of laundry and have fewer hot baths and showers, often have lower bills.

Power saving tips to help you reduce your electricity bill

Reduce your electricity bill with these electrician-approved tips:

Replace outdated lighting with LED lighting

According to Genless NZ, LED lightbulbs consume roughly 85% less power than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. A bonus: They also last longer, reducing your replacement costs.

Hines Electrical can help you make a simple and stress-free switch to energy-efficient LEDs. 

Consider installing an energy-efficient heat pump

How do you heat your home? If you’re using free-standing heaters or a fireplace as your main source of heat, it could be time to look at an energy-efficient heat pump. Heat pumps give you around 3-5 times the heat for the same energy compared to gas heaters. In New Zealand, where they run on our mostly renewable power grid, they’re also an environmentally-friendly option. 

Find out more about Hines’ heat pump options.

If you already have a heat pump, ensure it’s regularly serviced

Already got a heat pump? Great, but don’t forget to get it serviced. Regular services ensure that your pump is running efficiently – not adding to your power bill. We recommend having your heat pump serviced every year.  

Upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances

Large appliances, like washing machines, dryers and fridges, make up a significant chunk of your power bill. If you’re due for an upgrade, look for an energy-efficient option. For example, according to Genesis Energy, the most efficient fridges cost around $50 a year to run, compared to $150+ for older, inefficient models. 

Consider installing solar panels

Solar panels are a big investment, but they can have a huge impact on your power bill. Genless says that the cost savings from rooftop solar will pay off the upfront costs of installation in just eight years. 

Seal any leaks and drafts in your home

You’re paying through the nose to heat your home, so you don’t want that precious warmth escaping. Sealing cracks around windows and doors can make a real difference.

Wash your clothes in cold water

Hot water washing can be expensive, so try to wash laundry on a cold cycle as often as possible. Bonus: It’s usually gentler on your clothing as well.

Upgrade your home’s electrical system

Upgrading your home electrical system can help you save power, as modern circuits and systems tend to be more efficient. Here’s how to tell whether your home is due to be rewired. 

Run power-hungry appliances at night

Depending on your electricity plan, it may be more efficient to run power-heavy appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and dryers at night. This is because many power suppliers offer reduced rates during low-demand times, like the evening. Check your power plan, as some may even offer free power overnight or on weekends.

Install smart home solutions for energy management

Smart home technologies can help reduce energy use by switching on and off as needed. For example, smart lighting setups may turn off after a set period, smart heating optimises your home temperature without waste, and smart plugs can turn appliances off when they’re not needed.

Energy saving FAQs

What is the best way to lower your electricity bill?

There are many ways to lower your electricity bill – from installing an energy-efficient heat pump and replacing older lightbulbs to investing in solar panels. The right option depends on your home, your budget and your current power use. 

When is the cheapest time to use electricity in New Zealand?

The cheapest time to use electricity in New Zealand is usually overnight. Many power suppliers offer discounted rates at this time. Of course, it’s important to check with your power company to find out more.

Does switching off devices at the wall save electricity?

Yes, switching off devices at the wall does save power. However, the amount of power saved depends on the type of appliance or device – for many, the power used to stay in ‘standby mode’ is minimal.

What appliances and devices consume the most electricity in a household?

Appliances that heat and cool tend to be the biggest consumers of power in a household. For example, tumble dryers, electric heaters, fridges and washing machines are significant power users.

Chat to a qualified electrician at Hines Electrical today

Want to cut your power bill before next winter? We can help – get in touch for a chat about your needs.