Tips on how to reduce electricity costs for New Zealand residents

 If you live in one of the colder cities in NZ, you are likely to be paying a considerable amount of money on your electricity bills through the year. Wonder which appliances are costing you the most and how you can reduce electrical costs? You’d be surprised.

Here is a breakdown of typical household appliances and what percentage of electricity you are using for each appliance, along with tips on how you can cut costs for every appliance.


Water heating

This may come as no surprise, but water heating appliances use the most amount of electricity in a household, precisely 27% of your electricity consumption.

Tips to reduce electricity costs for water heating

  • Showers instead of baths
  • Reduce shower time 
  • Don’t let the water run
  • Wash laundry with cold water

More tips for reducing water heating costs 


Electronics and other electrical

Electronics such as your computers, laptops, television, etc take up 20% of your electricity consumption.

Tips to reduce electricity costs for electronics

  • Use a monitor or television that has a higher star rating 
  • Don’t let your television or monitor run in the background
  • Adjust your computers energy settings 
  • Unplug your computer when you are not using it

More tips for reducing electronics and other electrical costs 


Space heating

Keeping your house warm costs about 15% of your annual electricity costs. These are likely to go up or down depending on the season.

Tips to reduce electricity costs for heating

  • Make sure your house is well insulated.
  • Get a heat pump that suits your space requirements.

More tips for reducing space heating costs 


Refrigeration

Keeping your food chilled and healthy comes at a cost. Your refrigerator uses up about 17% of your electrical costs.

Tips to reduce electricity costs for refrigeration

  • Clean the condenser coils regularly
  • Adjust the fridge temperature to around 3° or 4° C 
  • Let your food cool before putting it into the refrigerator.

More tips for reducing refrigeration costs 


Lighting

Lighting on average takes up about 13% of your average electricity consumption.


Tips to reduce lighting electricity costs

  • Install occupancy detectors
  • Switch to LED lighting. 
  • Install dimmers if possible
  • Be conscious

More tips for reducing lighting costs 


Cooking

Cooking doesn’t cost you much…with only 5% of your average electrical costs.

Tips for reducing cooking power costs 


Clothes Drying

This may come as a surprise but washing and drying your clothes only costs 3% of your total electrical costs.

Tips for reducing clothes drying power costs 


Learn more about saving electricity costs

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