How Electrical Energy Is Wasted at Home — and How Perth Hills Electricians Help Fix It
Energy Bills Keep Rising — But Why?
For homeowners in Perth and the Perth Hills, energy costs are a growing concern. Despite careful usage, many households see rising power bills and assume it’s just the utility rates. But in truth, a lot of energy waste comes from inefficiencies in your home’s electrical system.
As licensed Perth electricians and trusted Perth Hills electricians, we see it daily: power leakage, inefficient lighting, aging appliances, and overloaded circuits causing unnecessary energy loss and stress on your system.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top sources of electrical energy waste in homes across Perth and how a local electrician can help you improve efficiency, reduce costs, and upgrade your home for the future.
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1. Old Halogen Lighting
Halogen downlights are still common in older homes throughout the Perth Hills, and they’re a huge source of energy waste.
The problem:
Each halogen globe uses around 50 watts
Many homes have 20–40 globes installed
Heat loss is significant (up to 90% of the energy is lost as heat)
The fix: A qualified Perth Hills electrician can replace these with LED alternatives that use 8–10 watts per light and last up to 10 times longer — slashing your lighting energy use by over 80%.
2. Standby Power and Phantom Load
Even when turned off, devices like TVs, game consoles, chargers, and microwaves draw power in standby mode. Known as “phantom load,” this can account for up to 10% of your electricity bill.
What a Perth electrician can do:
Install smart switches or timer-controlled outlets
Create dedicated power-saving circuits in entertainment areas
Educate you on appliance usage and upgrades
3. Poorly Wired Circuits and Voltage Drop
Older homes in the Perth Hills often have outdated or poorly installed wiring, leading to voltage drop — where power is lost as it travels through long or undersized cables.
The result:
Appliances work harder and draw more current
System becomes less efficient, especially in larger homes
The solution: A Perth Hills electrician can assess your wiring layout and recommend upgrades, rewiring, or subcircuits to improve performance and reduce load.
4. Inefficient Appliances
Appliances over 10–15 years old are typically far less efficient than today’s models — especially fridges, freezers, dryers, and ovens.
How to fix it:
Consider appliance upgrades with energy ratings in mind
Use a Perth electrician to safely install dedicated circuits for new units
Remove or disconnect unused older equipment drawing phantom load
5. Overloaded Switchboards and Unbalanced Circuits
A poorly balanced or overloaded switchboard can:
Trip regularly
Increase energy draw due to inefficient load distribution
Create safety hazards
What a Perth electrician can do:
Assess and rebalance loads across circuits
Upgrade switchboards with modern RCDs and circuit breakers
Use thermographic imaging to detect heat build-up or faults
This is especially important for homes running multiple fridges, pool pumps, air conditioners, and electric vehicles.
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6. Lack of Surge Protection
Surge events — caused by storms, grid fluctuations, or appliance faults — can damage electronics and cause appliances to draw more power while trying to compensate.
Solution: Have your Perth Hills electrician install surge protection at the switchboard and key circuit points to preserve appliance longevity and efficiency.
7. Bathroom Heat Lamps and Exhaust Combos
Many homes use outdated 3-in-1 heat lamp units. While convenient, these draw massive amounts of power compared to newer infrared or LED-based heating and ventilation systems.
Recommended upgrade:
Replace with modern 4-in-1 units using LED lighting and energy-efficient fans
Rewire control points to allow separate operation of light, heat, and fan
8. External Lighting and Garden Features
Garden lighting, pond pumps, outdoor heaters — these all add to the energy bill, especially when running on old cabling or without timers.
Smart upgrades include:
Solar-integrated garden lights
Smart controllers and motion sensors
Energy-efficient water pumps
A Perth electrician can design these systems for optimal function with minimal energy waste.
9. Pool Equipment and Pumps
Pools are a luxury — but they’re also an energy burden if not managed correctly. Old pool pumps and chlorinators are some of the highest consumers on a household system.
What your Perth Hills electrician can offer:
Install variable-speed pool pumps
Automate pump and filter timers
Ensure dedicated circuits prevent overloads
10. Heating and Cooling Losses Through Electrical Inefficiencies
Reverse cycle air conditioning, electric heaters, and underfloor heating can all add serious costs if they’re:
Wired inefficiently
Run on undersized cables
Lacking proper insulation or zoning controls
An energy audit and electrical inspection by a licensed Perth electrician can help identify these weaknesses and plan energy-saving upgrades.
What You Can Do Today
Book an energy audit or inspection
Upgrade your switchboard to support energy-efficient appliances
Replace halogen globes with LEDs
Ask your Perth Hills electrician about rewiring or load-balancing
Use smart timers and surge protection
Contact us today by clicking HERE
Why Choose Jarrah Group?
We’re based right here in the Perth Hills, and we’re committed to helping homeowners save energy and money through smart electrical solutions.
Our licensed Perth electricians and experienced Perth Hills electricians offer:
Full property inspections
Energy-saving recommendations
Safe upgrades and rewiring
Friendly, local service
Whether you’re in Glen Forrest, Darlington, Mundaring, or further out — we’re here to help you lower your power bill without compromising on comfort.
Final Thoughts: Efficiency Starts With the Right Electrician
Electrical energy waste can often go unnoticed — until the power bill arrives. But by understanding how your home consumes electricity and partnering with the right team, you can take back control.
Let Jarrah Group help you upgrade, streamline, and future-proof your electrical system.
Jarrah Group — Trusted Perth Hills Electricians Focused on Smart, Efficient Solutions.
