Hairdresser saves with efficient lights

A Woy Woy hairdresser is expected to save $1770 a year after replacing downlights with more energy-efficient models.

Passion Hair and Beauty in Woy Woy has taken part in a campaign to switch "energy guzzling" downlights over to energy-efficient halogens.

The local salon has joined more than 2000 hairdressers across the state in a bid to slash electricity bills by hundreds of dollars.

It is estimated that a total of 24,000 down lights will be replaced, saving each hairdresser an average of $350 a year on their electricity bills.

Around 100 downlights have been replaced at Passion Hair and Beauty salons at Woy Woy, Kincumber and West Gosford, according to salon chain owner Ms Tracey Maryska.

Ms Maryska said she registered for the downlight program because she wanted to make her salons more environmentally focused.

"The average energy bill for our salons is about $3400 so anything I can do to reduce energy bills is important," Mrs Maryska said.

"Lighting is so important for colouring and precision cutting and immediately we found the lighting much clearer.

"The replacement is done free of charge.

"It will save money and cut carbon emissions.

"It was a really easy process."

In addition to cutting her lighting costs, Ms Maryska received further energy efficiency advice like turning off her hot water system and air-conditioning units when salons are unoccupied.

Energy Australia's energy efficiency expert Mr Paul Myors estimated that Ms Maryska would save more than 5800 kWh, cut more than $1170 a year from energy bills and save more than six tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

"More than 90 per cent of hairdressers have downlights which can add hundreds to an annual energy bill," Mr Myors said.

"Small business owners, including hairdressers, can save hundreds of dollars every year by making simple changes to their electrical fittings and energy use."

Mr Myors said research showed an average hairdressing salon had about 20 downlights, adding about $800 to an annual energy bill.

"Energy efficient downlights shine just as brightly as traditional downlights, use around 30 per cent less energy and last two-and-a-half times longer," Mr Myors said.

"This program will not only replace energy guzzling downlights with more energy efficient options but will also help salon owners identify other ways to cut their energy bills even further."

The hairdressing downlight replacement program is partly funded from the NSW Government's Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program.

Hairdressing salons interested in taking part in the program have until June 30, to register.

Press release, 7 May 2010 Jessica Bardetta, Energy Australia