Energy Efficiency Tips

Reducing energy use is good for both the environment and your budget. By making a few small changes to the way you use energy, you can make a big difference. You will not only save money in the long term, but you will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Simple ways to save energy

There are many ways to cut down on energy use. Here are some general tips for your home:

  • Always choose appliances with a high "star" energy rating as they are more efficient.
  • Use energy saving lights or low wattage lights – the lower the wattage the less energy the light uses
  • Test the temperature of your hot water service – save energy by reducing the temperature to 60-65°C
  • Switch off electronic devices such as TVs and VCRs at the unit, instead of using the remote control, as the stand-by mode uses energy. A report commissioned by the Australian Greenhouse Office found that standby power costs consumers over $950 million each year and generated more than 6.5 million tonnes of greenhouse pollution in 2005.

You can save money, energy consumption and carbon emissions by following the below tips.

Heating

  • To minimise your heat losses, make sure your home is properly insulated, including your ceiling, external walls and even floors
  • Use draft excluders and weather stripping to prevent air leaks and make your home draft-proof.
  • Keep doors to unused rooms closed to minimise the area you need to heat
  • Set the temperature on your heater between 18-20°C – every degree you increase the temperature will increase consumption by 10%
  • Switch off heating when you are out of the house
  • Choose heaters with thermostat controls and programmable timers
  • If you only need to heat one room, use a space or portable heater instead of central heating.
  • Try leaving the heating off in the bedroom overnight
  • Close all window coverings when heating, and open when it's sunny to let in the warmth of the sun
  • Use a reversible ceiling fan to push warm air downwards and keep rooms warmer
  • Change your air filter regularly - a dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool, wasting energy
  • Seal or close your heating and cooling ducts. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20%.
  • If you add up all the hidden air leaks in your home, they can equal a hole the size of an open window — and can lead to higher energy bills by allowing heat to escape and causing your system to work harder to keep you comfortable.  This makes home sealing one of the first and most important steps you can take to reduce home energy costs year-round.
  • Block off any fireplaces when not in use.

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Cooling

  • Try to prevent you house from getting hot in warmer weather. Close all blinds, curtains, windows and doors to keep out heat. By simply closing curtains over large glass areas, you can prevent up to 16% of heat transfer through glass. Use external blinds or awnings to keep out heat whenever possible
  • Set the temperature on your air conditioning between 24-26°C – every degree you reduce this will increase consumption by 10%
  • Keep the area you are cooling to a minimum
  • Use fans to keep yourself cool
  • Use a minimum number of lights on summer evenings
  • Turn off your cooling system while you're out
  • Choose an air conditioner with programmable timing
  • Clean your air conditioner or cooler regularly to keep it working efficiently
  • Place your cooling system or air conditioner on the shadiest side of the house
  • Air conditioning unit compressors should have access to outside air. They should never be placed in enclosed areas such as garages.

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Lighting

  • Change your light globes to energy saving lights (Compact Fluorescent Lights)
  • Choose lights with low wattage – the lower the wattage the less power it uses
  • Turn off lights in unused areas
  • When only a small amount of light is required, use task lighting such as lamps or spotlights
  • Avoid dark furnishings and interiors. They make rooms harder to light adequately.
  • Keep light fittings, shades and bulbs clean
  • Use programmable timers and sensors to control lighting in outside areas.

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Cooking

  • Use a microwave for cooking, they're more energy efficient than conventional ovens
  • Stir or turn food in the microwave often to ensure the heat spreads evenly - speeding up the heating process
  • Make sure the seals in your oven fit properly. The seals should hold a piece of paper in place when the oven door is closed
  • Use small appliances for small tasks e.g. use the toaster not the oven for toasting.
  • Keep lids on pots when cooking
  • Use the correct size pot for the element or burner
  • Avoid cooking food that is still frozen
  • Avoid opening oven doors when cooking - each time you do the internal temperature drops by 15°C
  • Use appropriate cooking temperatures
  • Cook several dishes at once

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Dishwashers

  • Instead of using the drying cycle, stop the dishwasher, open the door and let dishes dry naturally
  • Only run the dishwasher when it's full
  • Use the economy cycle for everyday washing
  • Make the most of all functions on your dishwasher. Small load or half load options, short wash cycles, rinse-only cycles and mid-cycle turn off are features designed for energy efficiency as well as convenience
  • For extra energy savings, make sure you use the cold water cycle when rinsing dishes

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Fridges and freezers

  • Leave an adequate gap of 50mm around the outside and behind your fridge - to ensure air can circulate freely
  • Open doors for as little time as possible
  • Make sure the door seals fit tightly when they are closed and save up to 50kg of carbon emissions each year
  • Defrost and clean them regularly, including the coils behind your fridge
  • Switch off fridges and freezers if they are only rarely used
  • The fridge uses a lot of energy and the older your fridge is, the higher the probability that it will be a big polluter. If you are buying a new fridge, look for the Energy Star rating system. Stickers on the products show a star energy rating. The more stars, the more efficient the product, plus it shows you the energy consumption of the appliance. See www.energyrating.gov.au for more details
  • Fresh food compartments should be set at around 4°C to 5°C and freezers should optimally be set between -15°C and -18°C
  • Keep fridges and freezers in a cool, well ventilated spot (away from the oven and the sun) and you can save up to 100kg of greenhouse gases per year.

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Hot water

  • Take short showers (keep it to under 5 minutes instead of the average 8 minutes) instead of baths
  • Turn thermostat down to a minimum on your hot water service – try 60-65 °C
  • Turn your gas hot water service on to vacation mode if you’re away for a few days
  • Fix leaks and drips in hot water taps straight away. Just one drop of water per second wastes 1,200 litres per month
  • Minimise heat losses by making sure hot water pipes and tanks are insulated
  • Wash your clothes in cold water
  • Install a AAA rated showerhead and a dual flush toilet
  • Check pressure release valves for leaks – remember to release this valve every 6 months to ensure your hot water service is well maintained.

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Washing and drying clothes

  • Use a clothesline instead of a dryer wherever possible
  • Only run the clothes washer or dryer when fully loaded
  • Use cold water to wash clothes
  • Keep the lint filter in your dryer clean
  • Spin clothes thoroughly before drying
  • Don't over-dry clothes. Only use the minimum amount of time needed to dry your clothes
  • Dry lighter items together and heavier items together
  • Thinking of buying a new washing machine? Consider this: front loading automatic washing machines use considerably less energy and water than top loading machines
  • Always ensure clothing is wrung well before placing in the dryer. Clothes should never be placed in the dryer while dripping with water.

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Pools & spas

  • Keep the temperature of your swimming pool below 27°C
  • Use a timer to operate the filter pump
  • Use a cover or blanket on pools and spa pools when they are not in use
  • Consider installing solar heating as an alternative energy source.

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Other tips

  • Empty vacuum cleaner bags and clean filters
  • Use an electric blanket or hot water bottle rather than heating a room
  • Take reusable bags when you go shopping and reuse plastic bags
  • Reduce your household waste by starting a compost heap
  • Use your recycling bin and make sure you know what can be recycled
  • Switch off TVs and VCRs at the unit, instead of using the remote control, as the stand-by mode uses energy.

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