There are lots of things we do to help the family budget: take our lunch to work, make our morning cup of coffee at home or buy our groceries in bulk.
When it comes to more significant energy savings, changing how we power our homes can make a big difference. So, if you’re hoping to save more, looking at how you use energy (and where your energy comes from) can make a big difference.
We couldn’t run our homes these days without white goods - particularly fridges, dishwashers and washing machines. But you may not know exactly how much these appliances cost to operate.
A 4 - 4.5 star front loader washing machine cleans your clothes, but it can also leave a financial strain on your electricity bill. Based on three warm wash loads per week, your washing machine can cost around $41 per year to use*.
Further, vented clothes dryers with a capacity between 5kg and 10kg run up to $256 per year, based on three loads per week.^ This shows how your daily costs can really start to add up.
With the right solar system, you may be able to reduce these costs by adjusting your routine, how and when you use your appliances.
Instead of washing in the evening, start washing during the day and let your solar system power the machine. The same applies to the dishwasher. Most families turn it on after dinner or before bed, but if you press ‘wash’ when the sun is shining and you’re about to head off to work, you reduce your reliance on the grid.
A 500-600 litre fridge with a 4 - 45-star rating has an average usage cost of $122 per year. To help control this cost, try not to overcrowd your fridge. It runs most efficiently when you leave space for air circulation.
Adding an energy storage solution to your solar system is another way to capture the value of your solar, giving you the freedom to help run your household, including your fridge, at night.
Solar energy storage automatically stores any excess energy produced by your solar system during the day instead of exporting it back to the grid. During peak energy periods (i.e. early evening), you can avoid buying power from the grid using your stored energy.
There’s more to the sun than just vitamin D; it can help power our homes. With the right knowledge and solar system, you can change how and when you use household appliances, giving you better control.
If you don’t have solar installed, speaking to an expert is a great way to see how solar could help your budget.
