Be energy smart and safe this winter: Energex
Be energy smart and safe this winter: Energex
25 May 2012
Winter may officially still be a week away but the cold snap is well and truly here, and Energex is encouraging South East Queenslanders to keep their energy use in check while staying warm and safe this winter.
Energex’s Mike Swanston urged residents to consider the environment before switching on heating appliances, particularly bar and oil heaters, which can use more than the power of reverse cycle air conditioners.
“Heaters, electric blankets and long hot showers can add significantly to winter power bills, with some South East Queensland homes that still use energy-intensive appliances spending hundreds of dollars on heating each winter,” Mr Swanston said.
“Household power use can be reduced significantly by simply putting on some warm clothing, adding a few blankets on the bed and blocking any drafts in their home rather than using heating devices.
“A well-maintained reverse-cycle air-conditioner is the most efficient way of warming a room.”
Mr Swanston said electrical and fire safety should also be top of mind, with heating appliances having the potential to cause serious injuries such as electric shocks, fires, and even death if they’re not used correctly.
“As with all electrical items, heaters and electric blankets can become damaged if they’re not stored correctly, so it’s essential that people check for signs such as frayed wires and damaged plugs before they switch them on,” he said.
“The best place for a faulty electrical appliance is in the repair shop or in the rubbish. Just remember: If in doubt, throw it out.
“Heaters and electric blankets should always be switched off before you leave the room or go to sleep, and children should never be left unsupervised with these appliances running.
“Never place heaters near combustible items such as curtains or clothes, as they may catch on fire, and never use heaters in wet areas such as bathrooms.”
Energex’s winter electrical safety tips
- Check appliances for damage before use. If any damage is visible, throw the item away or have it inspected by a licensed electrical contractor. Never do your own electrical repairs.
- Ensure electric blankets have been stored safely. If they have been folded tightly or stored under heavy object, wires may have been damaged.
- Turn electric blankets off at the power point before getting into bed.
- Turn off heaters before leaving the room or sleeping.
- Keep heaters away from combustible materials such as curtains, clothes and bedding.
- Never leave children unsupervised around heaters.
- Never use heaters in wet areas such as bathrooms.
Energex’s winter energy efficiency tips
- Wear warm clothing or use more blankets rather than using a heater.
- If you prefer to use a heater, reverse cycle air conditioners are two to 2.5 times more energy efficient than other heaters.
- If you do decide to use your reverse cycle air conditioning system for heating, set the temperature to around 18 to 20 degrees (this is based on manufacturers’ recommendations as the optimum energy efficiency level for South East Queensland).
- Make sure your air conditioner is properly maintained (with a focus on cleaning the filters) to keep it running efficiently.
- Heat only the spaces you are using rather than the entire home.
- Keep windows and doors closed and draw curtains at night to keep the heat in.
- Consider insulating your home to naturally keep inside warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
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