Mercury Energy - New Zealand Electricity & Gas Provider
Follow us on TwitterFollow us on Facebook
Residential Business Farming Large Business
Home About Us News Community Kids Environment Contact Us Help
 

Print ChecklistSavings checklist

We have put together this handy checklist so you can print it off and keep a record of the areas you have improved and the areas you want to improve in the future.

Hot Water
• Get dripping hot water taps fixed.
• Fit a hot water cylinder wrap.
• Lag hot water pipes especially the first metre leading from the hot water system.
• Install a lower flow showerhead.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Wash clothes in full loads and in cold water.
• Fill your jug from the cold tap and only boil what you need.
• Use a plug when washing in the basin.
• Use cold water to rinse dirty dishes.
• Set your cylinder temperature to 60°C (140°F).

Lights / Appliances
• Use highly efficient fluorescent light sources in task areas.
• Make one child in the family a "Light Monitor"
• Fit motion sensor lights where lighting is needed only occasionally.
• Keep light fixtures and bulbs clean.
• Use timers to turn lights on and off while you are out for an evening or on holiday.
• Turn off appliances at the wall.
• Renew old fridge and freezer appliances, older appliances use up to 40% more energy than new ones.
• Run your dishwasher, clothes washer & dryer with a full load.
• Buy a clothes washer or dryer with a 4 or 5-star energy rating.
• Install clean reflector pans (foil) under electric stove elements to reflect heat and increase efficiency.
• Use your microwave for cooking whenever possible - you can save up to 70% on the cost of a convection oven.
• Turn your oven off a few minutes before cooking time is complete.
• Adjust your fridge temperature setting to between 2 °C and 4 °C, adjust the fridge/freezer temperature to -15 °C and -18 °C.
• Defrost and clean the inside of your refrigerator and freezer at least once every six months.

Cooking
• Match pots and pans to stove element size for best heat transfer
• Use lids on pots whenever possible.
• Simmer food instead of boiling - it cooks faster and tastes fresher.
• Avoid overcooking - use thermometers or timers.
• Defrost food beforehand, it takes 50% more cooking time if frozen.
• Regularly stir or turn food in the microwave to speed up cooking time.

Heating
• Place heaters away from windows to minimise heat loss.
• Block any obvious draughts.
• Plug any unused fireplaces.
• Put up thermal drapes and close curtains to keep the heat in.
• Put on warmer clothes before you turn on a heater.
• Make use of the timer if the heater has one.
• Insulate your ceilings, and the walls and underfloor if possible.
• Save power this winter
• Where does the power go?
• Where does the heat go?
• Tips on saving - Room by room
• Typical cost of using appliances
• 3 steps to making your home warmer
• Savings checklist
• Energy Star appliances