Energy saving checklist 4 All
Follow these tips and help reduce your energy bill
1. Unplug electrical equipment: Computers, mobile phone chargers equipment on stand by uses up to 20% the energy it would use when fully on.
2. Switch off lights & heating when you don't need them.
3. Don't overfill the kettle - only boil as much water as you need.
4. Avoid unnecessary electricity use between 5pm - 7pm
5. Turn you’re heating down to a comfortable 20°C - lowering your thermostat by 1°C will knock 10% of your heating bill.
6. Use compact fluorescent lamps (CFL's) Instead of traditional bulbs - they use 20% the energy and last up to 15 times as long.
7. On cold, sunny days, open shades or blinds to reduce the need for your heating. On darker days, close the blinds to keep the heat in.
8. Don’t use a wood fireplace. Wood fire places although lovely to sit by in the colder months can be very inefficient. The heat that is created by this type of fireplace is generally sucked back up the chimney and out of the house. Gas fire places are proven to be 80% efficient as opposed to be -10% to +10% efficient in heating your home.
9. Lower your water heater’s thermostat. Your water heater thermostat is a box located low on the front of your water heater. It is generally recommended that you leave your water heater thermostat at around 50-55°C. This not only saves energy, but prevents scalding.
10.Make new appliance purchases wisely. Read the labels and carefully investigate your new appliance purchases. ENERGY STAR label products in addition to saving up 50% more energy than conventional products.
11.Use cold water when you can. Wash clothes in cold water and if you must rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, use cold water
12.Think insulation – installing ceiling and wall insulation will minimize your heating and cooling costs
13.Save with the four Rs:
Refuse excess packaging.
Reduce the amount you buy.
Re-use as much as possible.
Recycle all the things you can't Refuse,
Reduce or Re-use.
Appliances that use power continuously but can be switched off:
- Computers
- DVD players
- VCR's
- TV's
- Stereos
- Games consoles
- Plug in air fresheners
- Coffee machines
- Microwaves - if the clock isn’t needed
- Rechargeable toothbrushes
- Natural gas produces about one third of the greenhouse emissions generated by conventional electricity
- Fan-forced ovens generate up to 35% fewer emissions than conventional ovens. Plus the heat is evenly distributed so you can cook more things at the same time
- Leaking hot water taps are common. A leaking pressure relief valve on your hot water tap can waste hundreds of liters. It’s normal for a small amount of water to be released, but if it’s more than that you may have a problem. Check yours today
- Hot water can account for 39% of your energy bill. With an energy-efficient water heater and thoughtful use of hot water, you can reduce emissions and cut your hot water costs by 40%
- Insulation in your ceilings can cut your energy costs by 30%. If you're renovating, you can insulate walls as well and save another 15%
