With the price of electricity tipped to rise considerably in Australia, and probably the same in other countries, we need to find ways of saving money.So here are a few tips for saving on electricity.
Switch off lights when you leave a room. It sounds simple but it’s amazing how many people don’t. Also make sure to switch off appliances when they are not in use. Don’t leave these switched on.
Overhead fans are much cheaper to run than an air conditioner and quite effective.
Use of blinds, curtains and awnings is another way of keeping heating and cooling costs down. In summer I keep awnings down and often keep thicker curtains pulled closed on bedrooms during the day.
In winter I draw the curtains back and leave only the lace curtains which let the sunlight in to warm the room and the awning goes up. We have a street light opposite us so the awning comes back down at night to keep the direct light out. We decided we’d rather have the awning than blinds on this house. Rugs and carpet are useful in maintaining warmth.
Trees can be good too if strategically placed and if you allow for the features of the tree. For example, flowering fruit trees like peach, plum, apricot and cherry, will drop their leaves to allow winter sunlight in. In spring they will provide colorful blossom display and in summer they will be green and bear fruit.
Make sure with any trees you plant that they do not interfere with water and sewer pipes or power lines if you re in an older area that has overhead power lines. Don’t plant trees too close too the house though, or you will always be getting rid of spiders.
Pergolas are useful too. Ornamental grape vine makes a beautiful covering over a pergola. Wisteria also makes a picturesque pergola but I wouldn’t plant it too close to the house as it runs rampant.
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