6 tips to be more energy efficient in your home

Are you feeling the pinch of rising energy prices? You’re not alone. 

According to The OneChoice Kiwi Concerns Report 2023, 76% of Kiwis are extremely or very concerned about the rising cost of living. The same research found that 2 in 3 (66%) of Kiwis are extremely or very concerned about the degradation of the environment and its impact on reducing the quality of life.

Plus, 55% expressed that they were extremely or very frustrated with the wastage of time and money spent on ineffective responses to climate change.  

Not only is adopting energy-saving habits good for the environment, but it can help to reduce your utility bills and combat the rising cost of living, too. Everyone wins!

With these practical tips, you can take actionable steps to reduce your energy consumption and boost your home’s energy efficiency at the same time.

Tip 1. Switch to LED lighting 

Did you know LED lights use 75% less energy than halogen bulbs and last five to ten times longer? 

By converting electricity into light only (rather than creating light and heat, like halogen globes) LED lighting is the most efficient way to brighten your home. 

Not only are LEDs available in a range of cool and warm tones, it’s also possible to purchase dimmable LEDs to suit dimmable lighting switches, too. 

Tip 2. Keep windows and doors closed 

There’s a reason why it takes so much longer to heat or cool a room when a window or door is open. Your heating and cooling systems (such as air conditioners) need to work much harder in unsealed environments. 

However, by ensuring entryways are closed, your heating and cooling systems can work more efficiently. 

Tip 3. Level up your home’s insulation 

Insulation is arguably the most powerful way to reduce heat loss during the winter months and keep your home cool during summer. 

While adding or improving the insulation system in an existing home can be a major investment, there are simple steps you can take to improve your insulation and home energy efficiency, including:

  • Use door snakes to prevent drafts and air from escaping through gaps in your door frames.
  • Install weather strips or foam tape around your windows to ensure these openings are effectively sealed and insulated. 
  • Install heavier curtains to trap air and prevent heat from escaping your home in winter. 

Tip 4. Invest in energy-efficient appliances 

According to the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), fridges and freezers alone account for about 10% of an average Kiwi household’s electricity bill, using more power in a year than any other household appliance. 

But by making energy-efficient appliance choices, you can significantly reduce your utility bills. 

In practical terms, the best way to find energy-efficient appliances is to consider:

  • Upgrading old appliances to newer models with a higher energy efficiency rating (the more stars, the better!). 
  • Servicing your appliances regularly to keep them operating efficiently. 
  • Use this interactive Efficient Appliance Calculator to source and compare energy-efficient appliances, from air conditioners to washing machines. 

OneChoice Tip: Putting on a load? Set your washing machine to cold water washes, which could save you around $50 per year, based on 4 washes per week.

Tip 5. Reduce your reliance on heating and cooling

For every degree you increase your heating or cooling, energy usage rises by up to 10%.

Take this example: running your heater at 26°C uses 50% more power than running it at 21°C. 

Rather than reaching for your AC remote or portable heater, consider filling up a hot water bottle, closing doors to unused rooms and investing in warm blankets. For the warmer months, ceiling fans or pedestal fans can be a more energy saving option for cooling your home. 

Tip 6. Install water-saving features 

Wondering how to save water at home? There are a range of simple changes you can make to reduce your water usage. 

Take this example: a dripping tap can waste up to 3,600 litres a year—that's more than a full bath every week!

In practical terms, here’s how to reduce water usage in your home:

Keep Reading: Discover five ways to live an eco-friendly life by downloading our free checklist.

Find what works for you

At OneChoice, we might not be an energy provider, but we do provide life insurance that could help ease your concerns for your family’s future. And like any good provider, we can provide a quote so you can see if our products suit your needs. Request an info pack to learn more today.  

20 Sep 2024