As the winter months approach, many apartment residents in Queensland may be concerned about the rising costs of energy. With power prices set to increase significantly, it’s more important than ever to find ways to reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills. Fortunately, there are many simple tips and tricks you can use to prepare your apartment for winter and minimize your energy usage.
Electricity prices in Queensland have been rising in recent years, and winter is typically one of the most expensive periods for energy usage.
According to the Australian Energy Regulator, the average electricity bill in Queensland has increased by around 25% over the past decade, with much of this increase attributed to network and retail costs. Addtionally, benchmark power prices for hundreds of thousands of Australians are set to rise by more than 20 per cent within months as the enormous costs from last year’s energy crisis flow through to consumers’ bills.
Winter is particularly expensive for energy usage because households and buildings require more heating, hot water, and lighting during the colder months. This increased demand can lead to higher energy bills and put a strain on household budgets. Therefore, it’s important to take steps to reduce energy consumption during the winter months and find ways to save money on energy bills.
March, April, and May are the best months for Queensland residents to prepare for winter energy usage because these months provide a transitional period between the summer and winter seasons.
Preparing Your Apartment
As the weather begins to cool down, it’s an ideal time to start making changes to your home or building to ensure that it’s ready for the colder months. By starting early, you can take advantage of milder weather conditions and avoid the rush of trying to make changes when winter has already arrived. Additionally, by preparing early, you can make sure that any changes or upgrades you make are completed before the winter season, ensuring that you stay warm and comfortable throughout the colder months.
First and foremost, it’s important to make sure your apartment is properly insulated. This means checking for drafts and sealing any gaps or cracks around windows and doors. You can use weather stripping or caulking to seal these areas and prevent cold air from seeping in. Additionally, consider using draft stoppers to block any gaps at the bottom of doors.
Another way to reduce energy costs is to adjust your thermostat. When it comes to heating – 18-20 degrees in the most efficient setting. Each degree warmer than this can increase energy use by 10% with those extra costs quickly adding up. If you have zoned heating, heat only those rooms you are using and close the doors to empty areas. Consider that for the average Australian household heating and cooling account for up to 50% of energy costs.
In addition to adjusting your thermostat, you can also make small changes to your daily habits to reduce energy consumption. For example, turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and use energy-efficient light bulbs. You can also make use of natural light during the day by opening blinds and curtains to let sunlight in.
One major source of energy usage in apartments is hot water. To reduce energy consumption, consider taking shorter showers or turning the temperature of your water heater down to around 60°C. You can also invest in a low-flow showerhead or faucet aerator to reduce the amount of water you use.
Finally, consider using curtains or blinds to help insulate your apartment. During the winter months, close curtains or blinds at night to help retain heat and open them during the day to let sunlight in. Additionally, you can use curtains or blinds to block any drafts around windows.
Preparing your apartment for winter doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By making a few small changes and adjustments, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills. With power prices set to rise, taking these steps now can help ensure you stay comfortable and warm throughout the winter months while keeping your energy costs under control.
Tips for Bodies Corporate
Body corporates in Queensland can also take steps to prepare for winter and reduce energy costs for the entire building. Here are some tips:
- Conduct an energy audit: An energy audit can help identify areas of the building where energy consumption is high and where improvements can be made. Hire a professional to conduct an energy audit and provide recommendations on how to improve the building’s energy efficiency.
- Upgrade lighting: Upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, such as LED lights, can significantly reduce energy consumption in common areas of the building. Consider installing motion sensors or timers to ensure lights are only on when needed.
- Insulate the building: Insulating the building can help prevent heat loss during winter months. Consider insulating the roof, walls, and floors of the building, as well as any pipes or ducts that may be exposed.
- Install energy-efficient windows: Installing energy-efficient windows can help reduce heat loss and improve the building’s overall energy efficiency. Look for windows with a high energy efficiency rating and consider adding window film or shades to further improve insulation.
- Adjust the boiler temperature: Lowering the temperature of the building’s boiler by just a few degrees can significantly reduce energy consumption. Consider lowering the temperature to around 60°C.
- Promote energy-saving habits: Encourage residents to adopt energy-saving habits, such as turning off lights and appliances when not in use and taking shorter showers. Provide educational materials or hold a community event to promote these habits.
- Consider renewable energy options: Consider installing solar panels or other renewable energy sources to help reduce energy costs for the building. This can also improve the building’s sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint.
By taking these steps, body corporates in Queensland can help reduce energy costs for the entire building and improve its overall energy efficiency. It’s important to work with professionals and engage residents to ensure the best possible outcomes.
