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Energy saving tips

Published 15/06/2015 12.58 PM   |    Updated 15/02/2024 09.38 AM

How can I save energy? 

THINGS YOU CAN IMPROVE
A lot of little things can make a big difference when it comes to saving energy. These home improvements do take time and money, but make a big difference to the energy efficiency of your home. 

  1. Ceiling and floor insulation can reduce heat loss by 50%. The higher the 'R-value' of the insulation, the more heat it keeps in.
  2. Install extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. If you use a dryer, ventilate it to the outside. A dry house is easier to heat!
  3. Install double glazing. It can often be retrofitted to existing windows.
  4. Insulate your hot water cylinder and hot water pipes to prevent heat loss.
  5. Switch to LED lightbulbs. They use 85% less power and can last up to 15 times longer than old style incandescent bulbs.
  6. Look for models with a high energy star rating when it's time to replace your whiteware and other home appliances.
  7. Use the right type of heater for the space. Heat pumps are the most efficient way to heat your home.

 

THINGS YOU CAN DO
There are lots of things you can do that can help reduce your energy usage, without spending a dollar!

  1. Use timers on heaters so you don’t forget to turn them off when you don’t need them.
  2. Let food cool down completely before you put it in the fridge or freezer so you don’t heat them up.
  3. Use a microwave when it's suitable, as it uses up to 70% less power than an oven.
  4. Cutting showers from 15 minutes to 5 minutes each could save a family of four $900 a year!
  5. Open windows on fine days, and wipe condensation off windows in the mornings to keep the air in your house dry.
  6. If you have extractor fans installed in the kitchen and bathroom, use them to avoid dampness.
  7. Draw curtains before sundown to keep heat in. But make sure you open them on sunny days to take advantage of natural heating from the sun.
  8. Cut back any trees or shrubs blocking windows on the sunny side of your home.
  9. Switch off electronics when they are not being used and unplug chargers when devices are fully charged.
  10. Only use as much water as you need in the kettle or when cooking.
  11. Use the right size pan for your element when cooking so heat isn't wasted.
  12. Turn your oven off a few minutes before the cooking time is up as it will stay hot enough to complete cooking for quite some time. Just make sure chicken is completely cooked before eating.
  13. Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are full before switching them on.
  14. Wash clothes in cold water. Most detergents work just as well in cold water as they do in hot water.

 

THINGS YOU CAN FIX
Many of us have little jobs around the home we just never get around to doing, but fixing some of these common problems can lead to energy savings. 

  1. If your shower pressure is too high, it can lead to inefficient use of hot water, resulting in unnecessary heating costs. To check your shower pressure, hold a 2L ice-cream container to the shower head. If it fills in less than 15 seconds, consider swapping to a low flow shower head.
  2. Make sure your hot water isn't too hot. If it’s over 60°C when it comes out of the tap it’s wasting energy. An electrician can easily adjust your thermostat.
  3. Worn seals on fridges, freezers and ovens will lead to them using more power than they need to. Most appliance retailers can supply replacement seals.
  4. If your Ajax value is faulty and wasting hot water, you may notice water leaking onto your roof. It's an easy job for any plumber to fix.
  5. To save energy and reduce costs, replace washers at the first sign of leaks. Dripping hot water taps can each use around $40 a year in energy.
  6. Seal windows and doors to reduce heat loss and drafts. Sealing compounds and weather strips are available from DIY stores and are cheap and easy to use. If you don’t have double glazing window film can help to reduce heat loss.
 
 
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