My home was built around 10 years ago before many energy efficient measures were introduced. My family’s electricity hovers between $2500-$3500 despite my frequent attempts to reduce usage wherever possible.
Draughty gaps between the doors, thin window panes, and relying solely on reverse cycle units to heat and cool the house means my bills are always cringe worthy. I have looked into options such as installing solar power but shelling out $4000 for units that return a mere 16 cents per KWh didn’t work out to be financially viable when I crunched the numbers. Retrofitting insulation, double glazing or installing heat retaining blinds were other overly expensive options.
Yesterday we received a flyer in the mail offering a free LED light exchange. An electrician arrives to swap every halogen downlight in the house cost free.
‘What’s the catch?’ I asked the service representative.
‘No catch. It’s just an incentive we are offering at the moment’ she replied.
‘You’re not doing it for free. How do you make money?’
She explained that the company earns carbon credits which are then on sold to companies for purchase. There is no cost to the consumer and the value of the carbon credits is presumably more valuable than the cost of paying an electrician to install the 34 LED lights in my home.
10-15% of the average electricity bill is attributed to lighting expenses. The LEDs I am having installed match the lumen rating (440 lumens compared to 465 is near enough). They use only 6 watts rather than 35 watts, and a rough calculation saw around $400 additional dollars in my pocket each year.
Well worth the change and I feel much better about reducing my carbon footprint. They have also offered to install door seals as my house can be like a wind tunnel at times.
I can’t endorse the company in the photo as of yet as the lights won’t be installed until next week. I also need to note that I have no affiliation with the company. I’m just a guy who 5 years ago would have thrown the flyer immediately in the bin rather than seize a potential opportunity. If you’re an Australian I believe there are many other companies that offer a similar service. If you’re not an Aussie, shop around because I’m sure there are many energy saving incentives available as the planet turns greener each year.
Tweet or share this post if you know of someone who might benefit from this service.
34 LED Lights Installed For Free!
September 3rd, 2015 at 06:10 am
September 3rd, 2015 at 11:54 am 1441281247
September 3rd, 2015 at 04:19 pm 1441297166
http://www.sew4home.com/tips-resources/buying-guide/thermal-fabrics-keep-hot-hot-and-cold-cold
https://www.google.ca/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=silver+coated+fabric
We've cut lengths to fit slider doors and bdrm windows using bulldog clips to affix the lengths to the rod holding the regular drape to function similar to a liner. They look ok from street-side, slightly awkward inside and definitely reduce natural lighting during daylight hours.. It's effective since our home has no AC.
We reduce dryer usage by hanging clothing direct from washer to hangers, limit bed linen, towels to 10 minutes transferring to a drop from ceiling line since dryer is highest operating cost appliance.
http://www.amazon.ca/IMEEA-Retractable-Clothesline-Adjustable-Stainless/dp/B00PEQIOPI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1441295670&sr=8-4&keywords=indoor+clothes+line
http://www.amazon.ca/Polder-Wall-Mount-Accordion-Clothes-24-Inch/dp/B000GBK2WO/ref=pd_rhf_se_s_cp_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1BVKZAZ3PC6NAFTCE1EM
t on'
DW is filled throughout the day but only run when full and after 7 pm [lower rate].
We've found it cost effective to operate several 'instant-on' TVs and some appliances on power bars to lower phantom power usage, lower water heater setting a bit.
You might look at You Tube hacks for home management and cherry pick the changes that you're happy to try.
September 3rd, 2015 at 10:42 pm 1441320179
September 9th, 2015 at 04:00 am 1441771244
The LEDs that could be replaced were in fact 29 rather than 34. They can't change ones with dimmers. We have lights on our stairs that automatically flick on when it is dark and movement is detected. It is so handy when you are carrying items and have your hands loaded up.
All the lights replaced were in fact 50 watts and the new ones use only 6 watts.
No fees were charged and I didn't have to opt in to anything.
Very happy with the outcome!