Top Five Tips for Cutting Down Your Winter Power Bill

It’s only natural for us to want to spend more time in the comfort of our heated homes during winter.

Electrical usage is at an all-time high during this period, and staying warm can be an expensive task.

The electric heater, electric blanket, and hot showers are all in high demand and it’s easy to forget the associated costs these comfort items bring. 

The problem occurs when you receive your first power bill of winter. When it comes to your electricity bill, winter is often the most expensive time of the year.

In this blog post, we’re going to provide you with five tips for cutting down your winter power bill.

Power-saving tips include better appliance usage and how to compare electricity prices to find the best deals in New Zealand.

Power Saving Tip 1: Time your shower usage 

During a cold winter’s day, there’s nothing better than a hot, steamy shower to rejuvenate and relax yourself.

The average shower uses roughly 65 litres of water and lasts about 8 minutes - but you can expect those numbers to be significantly higher in winter.

While it’s no surprise that the average shower time increases during winter, if you want to reduce your power bill during this time you could think twice about the time you spend taking a shower.

Power Saving Tip 2: Use a Heat pump

A heat pump is one of the most energy-efficient electrical-heating options available. Compared to an electrical heater, a heat pump can save you NZ$500 a year.

A heat pump that is turned on for six hours a day (for six months) while being set between its recommended temperature of 18ºC - 20ºC can cost just NZ$400 a year to run. 

Power Saving Tip 3: Use your clothes dryer efficiently

With winter comes rain, and fewer opportunities to naturally dry your clothes.

The household clothes dryer is often working overtime during winter which can negatively impact your electricity bill.

Setting your dryer to the fastest spin cycle, cleaning lint filters, and keeping a full load will help to reduce the cost of running your dryer.

Power Saving Tip 4: Naturally warm your home

There are a lot of things you can do to naturally heat your home.

In the past, we’ve discussed using curtains to maintain your desired temperature when the sun rises and sets.

You can also identify and seal draughts in your home, insulate your home using Pink Batts, and rearrange furniture! 

Power Saving Tip 5: Compare power prices 

The average New Zealand household switches electricity provider at least once a year.

In New Zealand, the competition for electricity is high and the cost of switching is often low.

Many people often compare power companies in their region to check how the prices they are paying for differ from other power companies.

At glimp, we help people easily compare power prices NZ wide so that they can find the most affordable electricity deal possible. Try our power comparison tool for yourself.