Power boards are a common find in many Australian homes. This is especially true in areas where homes are older. Decades ago, people did not have as many electrical devices as they do now. Today, we do more than power our television or refrigerator with electricity. We also use it to run computers, gaming consoles, and a long list of household appliances. It’s also necessary to recharge the phones we carry with us all day long.

A home that was built years ago may have been designed with only one or two outlets per room. Power boards provide a way to expand electrical access without rewiring and installing new outlets.

The 3 Types of Power Boards

While many brands make power boards, these generally fall into three main categories:

• Basic Power Board – A basic model will get the job done most of the time. However, it does not offer anything in the way of protection. This is the cheapest option, usually available for under $10. It serves as an extender for your outlet – and that’s it. Plug it in, and you’ll have more space to power devices.

When purchased from a reputable retailer, basic power boards should meet Australian safety standards with overload protection, but they will not provide surge protection.

• Surge Protector Power Board – A power board with surge protection is a better choice. These cost a bit more, usually up to $30 depending on quality and size. They work with a metal oxide varistor, or MOV, that diverts current to earth during a power surge.

Each surge causes the power board to degrade, so it will eventually need to be replaced. If you see scorch marks on the board, that means the MOV is burned out, and you need a new one.

• Insured Power Boards – Insured power boards are surge protected but come with an additional benefit: insurance. That means there is coverage in case an appliance is damaged when using the board during a power surge.

These are even more costly, usually between $50 and $100 each. You should always read the fine print because coverage and payout limitations will vary from one company to the next.

Which Power Boards Are the Safest for My Home?

Your best option is to go with a power board that offers as many features as possible. Those that are also a surge protector and include things like child-safety features and RCDs (safety switches) will give you the best protection.

The downside is that those with more features also tend to cost more, but it is usually worth it in the end. Consider the value of the appliances and devices that will be shielded in case of a power surge. It’s also impossible to put a monetary value on the safety of loved ones.

When using any power board, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Don’t exceed the maximum power rating, do not piggyback multiple boards, and check often for signs of wear and damage.

A desire to save money and the environment have encouraged many Australians to take a closer look at their household energy consumption.

Today’s living spaces require far more power than they did in the past. Our lives are made easier by electric devices and appliances. They may not seem to consume much power individually, but it starts to add up. Computers, mobile phones, tablets, and modern appliances with smart features all need an energy source. So how much power is needed to run an average home in Australia?

What Determines Energy Consumption?

No two households are the same. Several factors will determine your average consumption. The first being how many people live in the structure. More people will consume more energy.

Other factors that apply include the type of housing you live in, what appliances require electricity, and your general lifestyle.

Average Household Energy Use

We will base our average on a single-family house with four occupants, including two adults and two children. All appliances will be electrical in this scenario. The household includes hot water, a heating and cooling system, electric cooking, swimming pool, two plasma TVs, three computers, a dishwasher, and a clothes dryer.

Based on this information, the annual power cost will come to an average of $3,289.64, which is 15,014.8 kWh. That is an average of 41 kWh used daily, which costs approximately $9.01. This is based on quantities provided by the Victorian government.

How does that break down on an item by item basis? Heating and cooling come in with the highest consumption, taking up 38% of the total energy used. Water heating is second highest at 25%, followed by non-refrigerator appliances at 16%. Lighting uses about 7%, and cooking consumes 4%.

How Can I Lower My Household Energy Usage?

About 80% of the world has access to electricity at home. Australia has the third-highest average consumption rate, right after Canada and the United States. Many people search for ways to lower their consumption and cut down on the cost of electricity. There are several things you can do now to start saving.

• Use a Programmable Thermostat – This device allows you to choose a temperature that will automatically change during certain times of the day. It can turn down the temperature at night or when you’re not home.
• Add Insulation to Your Home – Insulation helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while reducing the workload for your heating and cooling system.
• Lower Hot Water Temperature – Lower hot water temperatures require less energy. Even a small change can make a difference.
• Check and Update Appliances – Make sure all appliances are running properly and update any old devices. Newer models are usually made with energy-efficient features.
• Wash Clothes in Cold Water – Washing clothes in cold water makes it easier for your water heater to keep up while using less electricity.
• Add a Renewable Energy Source – Adding a renewable energy source like solar power can reduce your reliance on the grid.

Perform an energy audit on your home to find more ways to save on your monthly power bills.