Energy Efficiency Tips
Making a few small changes to the way you use energy could make a difference to your next energy bill. Below are some ideas on how to reduce the amount of energy you use in your home. Simply select a room to see the energy efficiency tips.
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- TVs, DVD players, computers, stereos and game consoles still use energy when in stand by mode. To reduce your energy consumption switch these appliances off at the wall.
- Consider using a power board that can supply electricity to multiple appliances at the same time. This will allow you to switch off all appliances using the same switch.
- When only a small amount of light is required, use task lighting such as lamps or spotlights.
- Change your light globes to energy saving lights (compact fluorescent lights).
- Turn off lights in other rooms when not in use.
- Where possible, use the microwave to cook food rather than an oven as it uses less energy.
- Keep lids on pots when cooking to reduce the amount of time and energy used.
- Thaw food before cooking.
- Avoid opening the oven door when in use to improve energy efficiency.
- Boil water in an electric kettle rather than on the stove.
- Only run the dishwasher when it's full.
- Use the dishwasher's economy cycle for everyday washing.
- Set your fridge temperature between 4-5 degrees and your freezer temperature between -15 and -18 degrees.
- Keep fridges and freezers in a cool, well ventilated spot (away from the oven and the sun) to save energy.
- Keep a 5cm gap around your fridge to ensure air can circulate freely.
- Use a clothesline instead of a dryer wherever possible.
- Only run the washing machine or dryer when fully loaded.
- Use cold water to wash clothes.
- Keep the lint filter in your dryer clean.
- Spin clothes thoroughly before drying.
- Always ensure clothing is wrung well before placing in the dryer. Clothes should never be placed in the dryer while dripping with water.
- Set the hot water temperature at between 60-65 degrees to save energy.
- Installing water saving showerheads will reduce the amount of hot water and energy used.
- Switch appliances such as hair dryers, electric tooth brushes and radios off at the wall.
- Try to shorten showers to less than 5 minutes.
- Use programmable timers and sensors to light outside areas.
- Consider using outdoor solar lights for your garden or outdoor areas.
- Have separate lights for different outside areas so that you can choose which areas to light.
- Close the doors to unused rooms to reduce the area that you need to cool or heat.
- Turn off your cooling or heating overnight or when you're not home.
- Make sure you clean your air conditioner or cooler so that it doesn't use as much energy to run.
- Keep curtains and outside window shades closed to reduce the amount of energy required to maintain a consistent temperature inside your home.
- Use an electric blanket or hot water bottle rather than heating your bedroom.
