Top Tips

Around the Home
In the Kitchen
In the Laundry

It’s not difficult to cut energy costs in your home. By making minor changes in the way you use appliances or just by taking a little extra care, you can make significant savings. Over time, this can add up to quite a substantial amount of money. The greatest opportunity to save is with appliances that use the most power, such as water heating, space heating and cooling. However, reductions can be made right across the board.

When you buy new electrical appliances, look for this label to see which is the most energy efficient. The greater the number of stars, the more efficient the appliance (and the cheaper it will be to run).
 

Top tips for saving: all around the home

1. Install ceiling insulation to keep your heating and cooling costs down.
2. Close curtains to prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
3. Close off unheated areas.
4. Be careful not to overheat your home - increasing the thermostat setting by 1ºC degree can increase running costs by 10%.
5. Regularly clean your air conditioner filter. (See also other air-conditioning tips)
6. Wear appropriate clothing in winter and summer – instead of turning up the heat, first try putting on a thicker jumper.
7. Choose energy-efficient appliances by checking the Energy Rating labels before you buy.
8. Turn off appliances once you’ve finished using them and switch off the lights when you leave the room.
9. Clean heaters by removing dust and fluff from the fan and reflective surfaces.
10. Use high efficiency fluorescent lighting in frequently used areas. You can save up to 80 % in lighting running costs plus compact fluorescent lights last up to 8 times longer than regular (incandescent) bulbs.

 

Top tips for saving: in the kitchen

1. Defrost your freezer if the ice is more than 5mm thick.
2. Periodically remove all the dust from the fridge condenser coil with a vacuum cleaner.
3. Examine the fridge's magnetic door seal for any air leaks.
4. Make sure your refrigerator's on and off cycle is operating properly.
5. Always fill jugs and kettles from the cold tap.
6. Only fill jugs and kettles with the amount of water you need – this saves both energy and water.
7. Make sure the oven seal is in good condition and does not leak heat.
8. Fill the dishwasher before running it.
9. Use a microwave oven where appropriate for cooking, re-heating and defrosting.
10. Consider a ceramic or induction cook-top for precise temperature control and easier, faster cooking.

 

Top tips for saving: in the laundry

1. Don’t set the hot water-heater thermostat higher than 65ºC.
2. Make sure that your hot water system outlet pipe is well insulated.
3. Turn off your hot water system when you go on holidays.
4. Repair hot water taps as soon as you notice a leak.
5. Consider installing a timer on your solar hot water heater booster.
6. Have a properly qualified tradesman periodically check your water-heater as recommended in the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Use cold water in your washing machine whenever you can.
8. Load your clothes dryer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
9. Clean the lint filter in your clothes dryer after each load.
10. Use the clothesline on fine days instead of the clothes dryer.

 

For other useful energy saving information go to the following:

Air-conditioning
Cooking Appliances
Energy Smart Homes (Sustainable Energy Development Office website - opens a new window)