In 2007, I wrote a series of "Winter Warmer" Tips, which were little piece of information to help save energy over winter.
The majority of energy used in winter is hot water and heating, which is what these are focused on.
Looking back, some of these probably need some work, but the basic principles are solid
Enjoy!
Winter Warmer Tip #1:
Protect your windows - up to 40% of total heat loss from a home occurs through uncovered windows. Close-fitting, heavy drapes or blinds, or double-glazed windows reduce heat loss. What window coverings does your customer have?
Winter Warmer Tip #2:
Don't overheat. Every one-degree increase in temperature is a 10% increase in heating bills and emissions.
Winter Warmer Tip #3:
Don't use the hot water tap when washing your hands! You're normally done before the water gets hot and you are removing hot water from the tank and putting it in the pipes, which means cold water needs to refill the tank and be reheated, using more gas and costing you money!
Winter Warmer Tip #4:
The thermostat on a storage hot water heater should be set to deliver the lowest acceptable temperature. This will lower your running costs and extend your tank's life. (The optimum temperature is generally 60-65 degrees celsius. Be careful as temperatures too low may be a health risk)
Winter Warmer Tip #5:
Beware the exhaust fan! Did you know that in just one hour, a ventilation fan can suck out a whole house worth of warm (or cool) air? After all, that's what they are designed to do! Turn off bathroom and kitchen fans as soon as they are no longer required.
Winter Warmer Tip #6:
Turn off any hot water storage system if you are going away on holidays. Some units have a 'vacation' setting to make this easier. Remember, off-peak electric systems need to be turned back on in the evening so they have time to reheat overnight.
Winter Warmer Tip #7:
Ceiling fans? Did you know they can be used in winter to push hot air back down and prevent it from escaping? The fan must have reverse setting otherwise it will just be drawing the heat up and away!
Winter Warmer Tip #8:
Set your heater's thermostat temperature as low as possible. You should still feel warm enough at around 18°C. Each 1°C decrease of the thermostat setting will save around 10% of heating energy needed.
Winter Warmer Tip #9:
Insulation is the most under-rated way to reduce your heating costs in winter. A home with insulation in walls and ceilings will stay much warmer in winter and cooler in summer and provide big savings on energy bills.
Winter Warmer Tip #10:
Fact: Appliances use more energy as they age! People often don't realise that while they have used that same old "reliable" radiator for the past 10 years, it will be much less efficient and use more power now than when it was brand new. This is also especially true for Hot Water Heaters (in particular storage systems).
Winter Warmer Tip #11:
Mixer Taps are very common in modern kitchens and bathrooms. They have a single rotating arm which can be set at cold, hot or anywhere in between. The arm is then pushed up to control the flow. Always leave these on the cold setting unless hot water is required.
Protect your windows - up to 40% of total heat loss from a home occurs through uncovered windows. Close-fitting, heavy drapes or blinds, or double-glazed windows reduce heat loss. What window coverings does your customer have?
Winter Warmer Tip #2:
Don't overheat. Every one-degree increase in temperature is a 10% increase in heating bills and emissions.
Winter Warmer Tip #3:
Don't use the hot water tap when washing your hands! You're normally done before the water gets hot and you are removing hot water from the tank and putting it in the pipes, which means cold water needs to refill the tank and be reheated, using more gas and costing you money!
Winter Warmer Tip #4:
The thermostat on a storage hot water heater should be set to deliver the lowest acceptable temperature. This will lower your running costs and extend your tank's life. (The optimum temperature is generally 60-65 degrees celsius. Be careful as temperatures too low may be a health risk)
Winter Warmer Tip #5:
Beware the exhaust fan! Did you know that in just one hour, a ventilation fan can suck out a whole house worth of warm (or cool) air? After all, that's what they are designed to do! Turn off bathroom and kitchen fans as soon as they are no longer required.
Winter Warmer Tip #6:
Turn off any hot water storage system if you are going away on holidays. Some units have a 'vacation' setting to make this easier. Remember, off-peak electric systems need to be turned back on in the evening so they have time to reheat overnight.
Winter Warmer Tip #7:
Ceiling fans? Did you know they can be used in winter to push hot air back down and prevent it from escaping? The fan must have reverse setting otherwise it will just be drawing the heat up and away!
Winter Warmer Tip #8:
Set your heater's thermostat temperature as low as possible. You should still feel warm enough at around 18°C. Each 1°C decrease of the thermostat setting will save around 10% of heating energy needed.
Winter Warmer Tip #9:
Insulation is the most under-rated way to reduce your heating costs in winter. A home with insulation in walls and ceilings will stay much warmer in winter and cooler in summer and provide big savings on energy bills.
Winter Warmer Tip #10:
Fact: Appliances use more energy as they age! People often don't realise that while they have used that same old "reliable" radiator for the past 10 years, it will be much less efficient and use more power now than when it was brand new. This is also especially true for Hot Water Heaters (in particular storage systems).
Winter Warmer Tip #11:
Mixer Taps are very common in modern kitchens and bathrooms. They have a single rotating arm which can be set at cold, hot or anywhere in between. The arm is then pushed up to control the flow. Always leave these on the cold setting unless hot water is required.
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