Note:  The above graph is based on the annual average electricity consumption and export for properties participating in the Peak Demand Saver Trial at Alkimos Beach.

Note: The above graph is based on average consumption and generation for properties participating in Synergy’sPeak Demand Saver Trial.

*Average daily generation across course of the year

1. Don't crank the air conditioner

   It’s more energy efficient to heat or cool your house slowly over time, instead of turning the air conditioner up for ‘quicker’ results.

   Effort: You’ll get there (3 Stars)

2. Keep the cold in and the heat out, or vice versa

   Door snakes are inexpensive and can help stop air escaping from the bottom of doors.

    

   Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)

3. Try using a pedestal or ceiling fan instead of the reverse cycle air-con

   Fans are a much more energy efficient way to cool you down.

   Effort: Not too hard (2 Stars)

4. Get your heater serviced regularly to keep it running efficiently

   Even cleaning the dust and fluff from the fan can save on your electricity costs in winter.

    

   Effort: You’ll get there (3 Stars)

5. Pull on your pullover

   Heaters are great, but see if a good old jumper can warm you up first.

    

   Effort: Too easy (1 Star)

6. Take advantage of the sun

   In winter, open your curtains in the middle of the day to let the warm sun in. In summer, use your blinds to block out the sun’s heat.

   Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)

7. Rug up with extra blankets

   Put on some warm PJs and add a few extra blankets instead of an electric one.

   
   

   Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)

8. Electric blanket on, room heater off

   Once you’re nice and cosy in bed, you probably don’t need to heat the whole room.

    

   Effort: Not too hard (2 Stars)

1. If the sun's out, get your laundry out

   Clothes dryers use a lot of energy, so when you can, use your clothesline.

    

   Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)

2. Clean out the lint filter of your dryer

   To keep your clothes dryer running efficiently, clean the lint filter after each load.

    

   Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)

3. Wash your clothes in cold water

   The cold water cycle will reduce your heating costs and your clothes will stay brighter for longer. Win win.

    

   Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)

4. Choose a washing machine with a good star rating

   Front loaders are generally more energy efficient than top loaders. Make sure you check the star energy ratings before you decide.

   Effort: Not too hard (2 Stars)

5. Wash yourself quicker

   Take shorter showers is a common tip. An average a shower uses 12 litres of water every minute, so it makes sense.

   Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)

6. Put your pool pump on a timer

   Pool pumps use a fair bit of energy, so run them on a timer to reduce energy.

    

   Effort: Not too hard (2 Stars) 

1. When charges aren't charging, switch them off

   Chargers slowly leak energy when they are left on, switch them off at the wall to save energy.

    

   Effort: Too Easy (1 Star) 

2. Don't keep appliances on standby

   Appliances still use energy, so switch them off at the wall.

    

   Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)

3. Lets the stars choose your new appliance

   The energy star rating is an easy way to quickly see how energy efficient an appliance is.

    

   Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)

4. Consider upgrading really old appliances

   Old fridges and dishwashers are not generally as energy efficient as newer models. Check energy star ratings before buying new appliances.

   Effort: Not too hard (2 Stars)

5. Let your computer's screen saver do its job sooner

   Adjust your computer’s eco-saver power settings so your screen switches off shortly after you stop using it.

   Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)

6. Switch printers, scanners, modems and other peripherals off at the wall when not in use

   Put these devices on a separate power board so you can turn them off without affecting your computer.

   Effort: Not too hard (2 Stars)

7. Light your workspace not the entire room

   Using a lamp to light just your workspace is energy efficient and can help you concentrate.

    

   Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)

8. What to look for in a new computer

   Screen size matters. The bigger the screen, the more electricity is consumed, so choose appropriately.
   
   

   Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)

9. Clean your dishwasher filter regularly

   Your dishwasher cleans dishes, not itself, cleaning the filter will make it run better.

    

   Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)

10. Use a cold water connection for your dishwasher

    This will save on water heating costs.

     

    Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)

11. Only fill your kettle with the amount of water you need

    The water you don’t use will just get cold and need to be heated again.

     

    Effort: Too Easy (1 Star)