Cutting Energy Usage With Smart Devices

Cutting Energy Usage With Smart Devices

Smart-home technologies offer more than just automatically closing and opening doors. With smart-home devices, securing your home has become more accessible. If you can use them correctly, these devices can also help you save energy and money.  

And, given that Australians use billions in energy each year, people can use all the assistance they can get.  

You can make essential lifestyle changes with smart devices to lower your energy usage. We can assist you in reducing your energy bill without turning your life upside down. Cutting energy usage with smart devices just got easier!  

Monitoring your energy consumption can be challenging with so many gadgets in use all the time. But with smarter devices, it’s not only possible, but it’ll also save you money. Examining how much energy you use is one of the simplest methods to save money at home.  

Energy ratings on household appliances can help determine how much energy a device uses at any given time. And understanding a few fundamental facts about your energy costs and using energy-monitoring technologies can significantly affect this situation.

Integrating Smart Devices To Cut Energy Usage

Plenty of devices on the market can help you save money on utilities. It can be a smart light bulb, a smart thermostat, a water heater, or a sprinkler.  

Plus, some additional measures can show a significant change in savings. Steps like turning off lights, setting your thermostat to the ideal temperature, taking shorter showers, and unplugging appliances will go a long way!  

Integrating smart-home devices allows you to control them remotely, schedule, connect and monitor them. According to your commands, these devices can perform independently. Smart-home devices can help you save energy by giving you more control of your home using energy.  

Cutting energy usage

Analyse Your Energy Usage First

Recognizing the distinction between prices when you go through your energy bills is vital. 

The main payment is for your energy usage. You have the most control over this part. While your bill summarizes the charges, smart meters can provide much more information.  

These smart meter monitors your consumption data every 30 minutes. And later securely send it to your energy supplier, allowing you to see when you spend your energy. 

Network fees cover the expense of the infrastructure that transports electricity to your house, office, or company. While your energy retailer collects these fees, they are distributed to numerous service providers. 

Monitor Your Energy Usage Patterns

Since smart meters display energy use every half hour, you can analyse the data to determine which sections of the day consume the most energy.  

Accessing this data allows you to consider how your behaviour affects your energy usage and how much you pay. Consequently, being aware of your patterns helps with cutting energy usage.

Use Solar Panel Information For Your Benefit

Solar panel installation is closely related to homeownership. But solar panel inverters are a valuable source of real-time energy usage data. Most inverters can connect to your home wireless network and display live data on your smartphone.  

When you turn on the dishwasher, video game system, air-conditioner, and other smart devices, you can immediately see how much energy it consumes. 

It will help you save money in the long run and lessen your environmental effect. 

Visit Solar Emporium right now to get the best deals on solar products. Our solar experts can also provide excellent suggestions to integrate solar panels with your smart devices.

Utilising Smart Plugs For Smart System

Almost everyone has access to energy-monitoring technology now. Getting a complete insight into your home’s energy consumption is feasible. You can promptly look into the data generated by a smart meter by installing some simple energy-monitoring smart plugs.  

You can then decide whether to update your appliances or change how you use them. This information can also assist you in avoiding losing money owing to “vampire power.”  

It refers to appliances or other devices that use a tiny amount of electricity even when switched off while plugged in. Vampire power costs some consumers up to $200 extra annually in energy.

Adjusting Your HVAC System

Comfort is essential for any household. Enjoying the services of your smart HVAC system provides the ease of relaxing at your own home. Although, sometimes convenience can cost more money.   

But what if you could save money while being comfortable? All it takes is some simple temperature settings to acquire your desired savings. For Australians, the ideal heating temperature for winter is 18° C to 20° C. And for summer, the cooling should be 25° C to 27° C.  

Any increase in degrees will save 10% more on your energy!  

Operate Smart Plugs Remotely

Remotely operating your smart plugs has a significant influence on your energy bills. Since you are not physically turning on or turning off your plugs or switches, it reduces energy usage. Not to mention it’s convenient.  

Controlling outdoor plugs got easier with this technology too. You can manage your plugs from your smartphone from anywhere!  

Getting Smart Lighting

As LED bulbs are getting popular every day, it’s time you get LED lighting too. It provides lighting to your entire house while cutting energy usage. 
Smart devices

We have also gathered some power-saving tech accessories that anyone can use. Some are stand-alone devices, such as a smart thermostat, while others can help you minimize the electricity your current appliances consume while making your home smarter. 

Smart devices can help with cutting your energy usage and saving energy. By providing you with more control over the objects in your home, these devices allow you to lower your bills. Here is a list of smart devices to save energy and lower energy bills. 

  • Smart Thermostats  
  • Smart Plugs 
  • Smart Switches  
  • Smart inverters  
  • Smart Heat Pumps  
  • Smart Bulbs & Lighting  
  • Smart Energy Meter/Monitor  
It’s challenging to change your life overnight. But by making minor changes to your devices, you may save money each month while being kinder to the environment. Here’s to a sustainable future together. 

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

5 Tips To Improve Peak-Hour Energy Consumption In Australia

5 Tips To Improve Peak-Hour Energy Consumption In Australia

Understanding peak electricity times and rates is critical to lowering energy costs. Assuming these times and rates apply to you. This article will provide you with a guide on how you can improve your peak-hour energy consumption.  

But before giving you tips to improve peak-hour energy consumption in Australia, let’s talk about peak and off-peak hours.  

When it comes to electricity, all the buzzwords need to be clarified. Peak and off-peak are two of the most commonly used buzzwords in the energy market. But these two words can also be very confusing.  

Peak and off-peak rates differ in rates and energy plans. But who pays these charges? How do you get a better and more affordable plan? What do these words mean on your power bills or energy plans? Continue reading to find out. 

What Are The Peak Electricity Hours?

Peak electricity demand occurs when the grid is under stress. On weekdays, electricity peak hours are typically between 3 pm and 9 pm in Australia. When most people use power at once, it creates more pressure on the grid. However, depending on the season, these times may differ in some states. 

What Are The Off-Peak Electricity Hours?

Off-peak electricity times are when there is less demand for power on the grid. On weekdays, off-peak times are typically in the late evening and early morning. It usually goes on from 10 pm to 7 am in Australia.  

Weekends and the middle of the day are commonly known as shoulder times. 

off-peak times

What Does Peak Usage On Your Bill Mean?

Peak usage will appear on most of our electricity bills. But it will mean different things to different customers. It often depends on your energy plan and tariff. 

If you have a single rate tariff plan, you pay the same electricity price regardless of the time of day. However, energy retailers continue to refer to these rates as peak usage.  

It is only accurate when you have a controlled load. You pay a lower rate for a heat pump or your pool pump. 

Paying different electricity prices depends on the time of day if you have a time-of-use tariff. In this case, your bill’s peak usage will reflect the energy used during peak electricity hours.  

You can find peak usage information, costs, and all other cost details on your bill, including additional tariffs. In the case of a single-rate tariff, the peak usage reflects all energy usage.  

In comparison, those on a time-of-use tariff will see peak usage costs alongside off-peak and shoulder prices and daily supply charges. 

Are You Paying Peak or Off-peak Electricity Rates?

If you have a ‘time of use’ or ‘flexible pricing’ tariff, you will only pay peak and off-peak electricity rates. Installing a smart meter on your property will ensure the rates. 

You should only be on a time-of-use tariff if you have discussed it with your energy retailer and believe it will be financially beneficial. Sometimes, time-of-use tariffs can be costly if your energy usage habits do not correlate appropriately. 

You could easily become confused if you have a single rate tariff and believe you pay different rates for power at other times of the day.  

You could have been putting off purchasing household appliances for years for no reason. Most households in Australia are on a single-rate tariff. Contact your energy retailer and check energy bills if you need help determining which tariff you’re on. 

Now that we understand peak and off-peak hours, let’s discuss the 5 tips to improve peak-hour consumption in Australia.  

Using Off-peak Hours To Improve Energy Consumption

There are numerous ways to save money on electricity by using off-peak rates. But using off-peak hours is the most significant. You can save money by using electricity during off-peak hours. 

Use functional and smart appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers during off-peak hours. Many devices now have timers and smart features. It allows you to control your energy consumption and save money. 

Follow Our Tips For Better Energy Usage

Recently Solar Emporium posted many blogs with essential energy-saving tips. Our solar and renewable energy experts perfectly handcraft these tips for your benefit. Some are getting solar panels, buying ceiling fans, and insulating your home.  

Check out our blogs, 10 Energy saving tips for Australia, and 14 Ways to improve energy efficiency at home, for a detailed overview of lowering your energy for a lower energy bill.   

Recognize Your Meter's Configuration

Knowledgeable consultants can assist you if you require clarification on your meter configuration. You can check your bill under the ‘current charges’ section to see if you are already on off-peak electricity pricing.  

Keeping your energy pricing and rates in check will definitely improve your energy consumption. At the least, it can help you become more aware of your usage.  

Change Meter Configuration For Off-peak Rates

If you live in Victoria and have a smart meter, you can request that your meter configuration be changed to be eligible for off-peak rates. Please check in with us for more information on how to change your meter configuration and benefit from off-peak rates. 

Be Attentive For Prices Of Peak And Off-peak Electricity

As you might expect, using power during peak hours rather than off-peak hours will result in higher costs – and higher bills.  

Peak and off-peak prices differ significantly, so shifting your daily energy usage to off-peak times would be wise if you are on a time-of-use tariff. 

However, given the significant price difference, you may need help to defer your energy consumption to off-peak hours. 

To make a time-of-use tariff cheaper than a single-rate one, you will likely need to shift around a third of your daily energy needs to off-peak hours. 

But how much can you benefit from peak and off-peak hour rates? Let’s find out. 

How To Benefit From Peak and Off-peak Electricity Rates?

Peak and off-peak electricity rates can benefit many households. But this is not a generalized scenario. You may have better options if you’re at home and use a lot of electricity in the early evening.  

You should reduce your peak time energy usage to get better results. Although, if you are on a single-rate tariff, you will not need to worry about what time of day you use power. 

However, if you use a significant portion of your power during the day or late at night, you might be beneficial. Also, if you have a solar battery to store excess solar energy, having cheaper rates during off-peak and shoulder periods may be more helpful. 

To be charged different rates during peak and off-peak hours, you must have a smart meter installed on your property and be signed up for a time-of-use or flexible pricing tariff. 

Whatever tariff you’re on, it’s always a good idea to compare providers, plans, and prices regularly to avoid paying too much. 

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