Having a baby and your home energy needs

It’s no secret that having a baby can bring about huge changes in our lives. From late night feeds to early morning cuddles, your days (and nights) are likely to look a lot different.

But one thing many people don’t realise is that having a baby can also change your home energy needs.

A new baby often increases the amount of energy you use in your home, as you may be home more often, doing more washing and drying, and cooling or heating extra bedrooms.

By making a few simple changes you can ensure your home is setup for baby and that there are no surprises with your energy bills.

View this information as an infographic.

Setting up baby’s room

• If you have a choice, choose a room on the southern side of your home, as it’s cooler and more pleasant to sleep in at night. It’s a no cost solution that makes the most of your home’s design.
• Blockout curtains and blinds can help your baby sleep at naptime, and will also keep the room cooler during summer and warmer during winter, saving on electricity costs.
• Create a safe zone around the cot by positioning it away from windows, heaters, lamps and cords. For your baby’s comfort, also try to position the cot so it’s not directly under an air conditioning or heating vent.
• Get the most out of your cooling and heating by fixing any faulty door seals and using door snakes and weather-strips to block any gaps where air can escape.

Save on your laundry

After a baby arrives, it can seem as if the laundry doubles! You can save on laundry costs by:

• Washing clothes in cold water on an economy cycle.
• Adjusting the water level in your washing machine for partial loads or waiting until you have enough for a full load.
• Using the sun to dry clothes instead of the dryer.

Managing bills

There are a few things you can do to make managing bills easier:

• Avoid surprises by setting up weekly, fortnightly or monthly bill payments in line with your family’s energy use.
• Consider registering for direct debit – it’s a great option if you want to set and forget.
• Reduce paperwork with e-Bill – it’s fast, convenient and better for the environment.