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Finding Greater Energy Efficiency in Christchurch

Heat pumps are one of the most energy efficient forms of heating. But you already knew that. Electricity prices have been rising pretty steadily over the last 10 years, making it harder for Christchurch families to keep warm in winter. If you would like to lower your power bill over winter, you’re probably looking for other ways to be more energy efficient.

​For energy saving ideas we spoke to Marco Bosgra, Master Electrician and Director of Mister Sparky.

Mister Sparky Director and Heat Pumps NOW's Blair Ashdowne are helping to Rebuild Christchurch

“There are lots of little ways you can use less energy around your home, and save money on your power bill all year round,” says Marco. 

Did you know an LED bulb uses 400% less energy than a standard incandescent light bulb? 

“Regular filament lightbulbs have a maximum life span of 3000 hours, but they’re pretty unreliable and are likely to blow before getting close to that total. LED lights on the other hand will burn brightly for up to 60,000 hours while using less energy! That really adds up when you change the lights around your home,” says Marco.

Over the lifetime of an LED light you could save at least $290! That’s when you compare a standard 100W bulb to an LED. On top of the energy savings, there are other ways LED light bulbs can make your home more energy efficient.
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“Because filament lightbulbs can get quite hot, you can’t put batts or insulation overtop of old ceiling light fittings. That leaves lots of small gaps for hot air to escape into your attic while your heat pump is working hard to warm up the room.”
“Newer fittings on LED lightbulbs are sealed, so there are no gaps for heat to escape. Plus, you can place insulation directly overtop to really make sure the heat stays where you need it to,” says Marco.

Mister Sparky Director Marco Bosgra and apprentice James go over site plans.

Who Left The Lights On?

How frustrating is it when people leave a room and forget to turn off the lights?

“There’s a simple fix for that,” says Marco. “I have two young boys and it’s important they can find the toilet in the middle of the night. We have low level lighting in the hallway that comes on when it gets dark, and a sensor in the bathroom that turns the light on automatically. Once they’ve gone back to bed, the light turns off again.”

“Sensors and timers on lights or different appliances can make sure lights are never left on in empty rooms again! That’s good for your energy bill and the environment,” Marco says. 

​Heat pumps can be pretty smart devices too. Some of the newer models can sense when people leave the room and will let the temperature drop a little to save energy. As soon as you come back, the heat pump brings it back up.

How you use heat pumps can dramatically change how much electricity your household consumes.

Be Energy Smart

“Cranking your heat pump thermostat as high as it will go won’t heat a cold room any faster,” says Marco. “That’s one way to use more energy than you need. Also, the hotter you set your heat pump, the more energy you use. Setting it to 22 degrees will keep you warm and comfortable, and use a lot less energy than setting it to 25 degrees.”

Just a few small changes can help you stay warm and comfortable while saving power and money!

 “Changing the kind of light bulb you use doesn’t seem like much, especially when LED’s are more expensive to buy. What seems like be the cheapest option at the time may not be cheaper in the long run. When you add up all the light bulbs in your house over the course of a year, there’s potential to save a lot of money.”

If you would like to know more about timers, sensors, or making your home more energy efficient, contact Marco and the team of Master Electricians at Mister Sparky on 0800 842 248. For a heating and air conditioning option that uses a lot less power than an electric heater, contact Heat Pumps NOW on 03 377 7393!