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General Questions
About Our Services
How can PowerAudit help save costs on my power bill?
Usually, people can only know how much electricity is used in their homes in total and what the total power bill is. But they don't understand why and where their electricity is being used. Poweraudit provides services that can tell you more detail about your home's electricity usage and costs, such as lighting, air conditioning, cooking, hot water, refrigerators, computers, etc.; These electricity uses are also analysed to identify problems and make recommendations for saving electricity.
How can Poweraudit get more detailed information about the energy usage of my home?
We will connect a device to your switchboard that will collect the electricity usage of all your circuits, and we will also use smart plugs around the house to collect the electricity usage of major appliances in your home.
Reports & Data Access
Will Poweraudit provide me with a report detailing our home's energy use?
Yes. We'll generate a report that shows you detailed information about your home's energy usage, including numbers, graphs, and analytics. In the interactive data visualization, you can explore the various energy usages in your home, and you will discover which electrical equipment uses the most and when, and how it can help you reduce your electricity bill.
How can I see a report with detailed information on our home's energy usage?
We currently send your home's energy usage report to you as a PDF by email. We are not offering website or app logins for report access at this stage. If secure online access is introduced in a future release, we will provide clear instructions at that time.
Data Collection Process
How often do you need to collect energy usage information for our home?
We only need to collect data on energy usage in your home for a week. This means we set up all the devices and put them in your home for 8 days to collect data 24/7, after 8 days we remove all the devices and process the data and then provide you with a report.
Can I keep your devices on longer and get more energy usage information?
At this stage we only provide data collection services for one week. If you do require a longer service, we can discuss your needs.
If the power goes out or I unplug a certain circuit, will it affect the data collection device?
Yes, it will affect the collection of data. But the cut-off time is very short, and the impact on the data will not be too great.
Safety & Equipment
Your devices are installed in my switchboard, is this dangerous and will they affect my cables?
No. Our devices are small sealed clip-on devices, they only attach to the cables of your circuit, they will not affect or damage your circuit, and they are not dangerous. They are also installed by Licensed Electricians and Insured.
Company Information
Is the Poweraudit business affiliated with other electricity suppliers?
No. Poweraudit is an independent power audit company which is not affiliated with any other power supplier.
Energy Saving Questions
General Energy Tips
What are some ways to reduce energy bills at home?
There are several ways to reduce your home's electricity usage and reduce energy bills. First, make sure to turn off lights and unplug the appliances when not in use. The use of energy-efficient appliances can also significantly reduce electricity consumption. Other strategies include reducing the use of air conditioning and heating, using natural light instead of artificial lighting, and installing solar panels where feasible, sealing any airflow in your home to improve heating and cooling efficiency, and setting the thermostat at energy-efficient temperatures.
In a typical home, what appliance consumes the most power?
The appliances that typically consume the most electricity in homes are air conditioners, heaters, water heaters, refrigerators, dryers, lighting, and electronic devices such as computers, televisions, and game consoles. You can reduce their energy consumption by using them more efficiently or upgrading to an energy-saving model.
What are energy efficient appliances and how do they save electricity?
Energy-efficient appliances are designed to use less electricity to perform the same functions as standard appliances. They achieve this through superior design and more efficient technology. Using these appliances can significantly reduce your home's electricity usage, thereby reducing your electricity bill. In many cases, the cost of purchasing energy-efficient appliances is offset over time by the savings on your electricity bill.
What effect does heat preservation have on household energy saving?
Insulation plays a vital role in saving energy by slowing the rate at which heat leaves your home in winter or enters your home in summer. This allows your heating and cooling systems to work less, reducing your energy use.
Does the size of my home affect energy efficiency?
Yes, larger homes generally require more energy to heat and cool. However, the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, how well your home is insulated, and the habits of your residents can all affect a home's energy efficiency more than its size.
What are the benefits of using Energy Star appliances?
ENERGY STAR rated appliances are certified to use less energy than their unrated counterparts without sacrificing performance. Using these devices can significantly reduce your home's energy consumption and electricity bills.
What energy-saving habits can I develop in my daily life?
Some energy-saving habits include turning off lights and electronics when not in use, air-drying dishes instead of using the dishwasher's heat-dry option, taking shorter showers, and washing clothes in cold water.
Why is it sometimes necessary to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours?
Reducing electricity use during peak hours can help prevent blackouts and reduce stress on the grid. It can also save you money if your utility company charges variable rates based on demand.
Home Comfort & Efficiency
How can I make my home more energy efficient for heating and cooling?
There are a number of ways to make heating and cooling your home more energy efficient. These include improving insulation, using energy-efficient windows, sealing ventilation, using programmable thermostats, and regular maintenance and cleaning up can help your heating and cooling systems run more efficiently. Upgrading to an efficient heating and cooling system can also significantly reduce energy consumption. In winter, set the temperature at 18-20°C, use small heaters instead of central heating in small areas, and use blankets and warm clothes to keep warm.
What are the benefits of using LED lights to save electricity?
LED lights are more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. They use less electricity to produce the same amount of light, and they also last longer, reducing the need for replacement. This means that while LED bulbs may cost more upfront, they can save you energy costs and replacement costs in the long run. LEDs also generate less heat, helping to reduce cooling costs in summer.
How do weatherstripped windows and doors save on energy costs?
Weatherstripping windows and doors to keep out drafts, which can help your home maintain temperature more efficiently, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
What are some ways to save energy when using air conditioners?
To save air conditioning energy, set the temperature at 24-26°C in summer. Use fans where possible and close windows, doors and drapes to keep cool air in. Regular maintenance and cleaning of air conditioners also ensures that they operate efficiently.
How can smart home devices help me save electricity?
Smart home devices like smart thermostats, smart light bulbs, and smart power strips can help you manage energy use more efficiently. For example, a smart thermostat can save energy by learning about your schedule and adjusting the temperature when you're not home.
How can landscaping help a home save energy?
Strategic landscaping can help conserve energy by providing shade in summer and wind protection in winter. For example, deciduous trees block sunlight in summer but let it through in winter, and shrubs or fences block wind.
Kitchen & Hot Water
How can I save electricity in the kitchen?
You can save electricity in the kitchen by using appliances efficiently. For example, keep the fridge and freezer full (but not overloaded), use the microwave or toaster instead of the oven for small meals, use the dishwasher only when fully loaded, and unplug small appliances when they are not in use.
How to save energy when cooking?
When cooking, you can save energy by putting lids on pots to reduce cooking time, using the right size pots on the stovetop, using a microwave or electric oven instead of an oven for smaller meals, and keeping the oven door open while cooking closure.
What are some ways to save energy when using a dishwasher?
When using your dishwasher, save energy by only running it when full, air-drying dishes, rather than using a heat-dry cycle, and using the energy-saving setting when possible.
How to save energy when using the refrigerator?
When using the refrigerator, keep the refrigerator and freezer full by setting the right temperature (refrigerator 3-4°C, freezer -15 to -18°C), make sure the door seals tightly, and defrost the refrigerator regularly.
What role does the water heater play in my home's energy use, and how can I make it more efficient?
Hot water can account for a significant portion of a home's energy use. To increase efficiency, you can turn down the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, insulate the water heater and the first few feet of hot and cold water pipes, and use low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators.
Laundry & Clothes Care
Can changing laundry habits save electricity?
Yes, washing clothes in cold water, washing whole garments instead of portions, air drying clothes instead of using the dryer, and regularly cleaning the lint filter in the dryer can all help save electricity.
What are some ways to save energy when using a washing machine?
When using a washing machine, save energy by using cold water, washing with a full load, and using a high-speed spin cycle to reduce drying time.
How can I save energy when using a clothes dryer?
When using a clothes dryer, you can save energy by drying a full load but not overloading it, cleaning the lint filter after each use, and air drying your clothes when possible. In Australia, outdoor clotheslines are very effective for drying clothes in the sun, reducing the need for dryers.
Electronics & Lighting
What are some ways to save energy when using electronic products?
When using electronics, you can save energy by turning them off when not in use, unplugging the charger, using energy-saving settings, or by using a smart power strip to cut power to devices when they're not in use, and choosing energy-efficient models when buying new electronics.
How can I save energy when using lighting?
Save lighting energy by using energy-efficient bulbs like LEDs, taking advantage of natural light, and turning off lights when you leave the room.
Environmental Impact
What impact does saving electricity have on the environment?
Saving electricity reduces the demand for electricity, which in turn reduces the amount of fossil fuels burned to generate electricity. This can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby helping to mitigate climate change. It also reduces pressure on natural resources and ecosystems.
How can I reduce the carbon footprint of my home?
You can reduce your home's carbon footprint by reducing electricity consumption, using energy-efficient appliances, reducing waste, recycling, using renewable energy sources like solar power, and conserving water.
Billing and Account Questions
Payment Methods
Can I pay cash?
We use eftpos only for payments. There is a 1-1.5% service charge for using credit card payment services.
Do you provide paid later services?
We do not provide pay later services like afterpay.
Payment Timing
When am I required to pay for my service?
We issue your invoice before installation. Payment is due before your PowerAudit report is provided, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Payment Terms
Where can I read your payment terms?
You can read our full payment terms here: Terms of Supply
Service Costs
Why is the cost of my service higher?
Our services are based on house size, complexity of house switchboard and dependent on what devices are chosen. The rates shown are a base rate and are dependent on how much service is required by the electricians.
Technical Issues
Will a Power outage affect the end cost of service?
Unforeseen circumstances happen and in the case that happens please contact our electrician if any further maintenance is required post a power outage.
Power Bill High? We'll tell you Why?
Whether you're a homeowner or a business manager, we'll help you find the savings you've been missing.