Top tips to keep bills down
Choose cold water
When it comes to washing your clothes, make the switch to cold water instead of warm or hot (when possible). An estimated 70 to 90% of all the energy your washing machine uses goes to warming up the water, so switching to colder water can significantly reduce your energy bill. Plus, washing in cold water prevents your clothes shrinking, fading or wrinkling.
Ditch the dryer
The clothes dryer can be are incredibly convenient, especially when it’s pouring with rain outside! But by simply letting the sun dry your washing instead of the dryer, you can shave a decent chunk off your energy bills. Perth is one of the sunniest cities in the world, so even if it’s not summer, it’s pretty easy to get your clothes dry any time of year.
Change your bulbs
Second to natural light, fluorescent lights are an affordable lighting choice. Even though these lights cost a little more up front, they can last up to 12 times longer than a regular incandescent bulb, so, it can be worth making the switch in your home. Another easy way to use less energy is to simply switch off lights and other appliances when they’re not in use.
Give the garden a makeover
Take a look around your front or backyard and think about how the existing trees or shrubs affect the light in your home throughout the year. Too many bushy trees can keep the sun out of your home, making it feel colder inside. If this is the case, it might be worth getting out the garden shears and giving your greenery a good pruning. On the flipside, if you don’t have any trees that are protecting you from the harsh sunlight, consider talking to a landscaper about planting trees that can provide more shelter from the sun. With the right plants placed in the right locations, it’s an effective way to reduce summer heat.
Insulate your windows
Over 30% of heat is lost during the winter and gained in the summer via your windows, so insulating this part of your house is a smart place to start. Double glazed windows are ideal for insulation, as they’re incredibly effective way to keep heat out in summer and keep heat inside in winter. The only downside to double glazing is that it can be quite expensive. The next best option is installing window blinds, curtains, shutters or awnings, as their heat reflective design can keep the sun out of your home and keep it cooler.
Energy efficient window treatments
Popular indoor window coverings such as Roman blinds, curtains, roller blinds, vertical blinds, day and night blinds and panel blinds can all be customised with insulating blockout fabric. The thick fabric that makes up blockout blinds is great for keeping your home at a more comfortable temperature during the winter and summer months. Get more info on the best heat-blocking window treatments here.
Outdoor blinds such as auto awnings are also great to install on the outside of the window, as they help to stop heat from passing through the glass. You can find out more about the best outdoor blinds and awnings for summer sun protection here.
Want to learn more about energy efficient window treatments for your home? Give us a call on 13 13 15, visit one of our showrooms or arrange a free measure and quote with one of our highly-trained consultants in your own home.
All of our blinds, shutters, curtains and awnings are made in Australia and are sold for the lowest prices in the market, guaranteed. Just bring in a quote on any competitor’s comparable item and we’ll beat it by 5%!
