Install low energy light bulbs in rooms you use regularly
- they last up to 15 times longer than a normal light bulb
and provide the same lighting for a quarter of the running
cost. Turn off the lights when you leave a room for a long
period and don't use several light bulbs where one will
do the job. Teach all family members to turn off lights
when leaving a room.
TV, Hi-Fi & Radio
Turn off the TV or video and hi-fi rather than leaving it
on standby. Always use the television's on/off switch. Leaving
the television on standby wastes energy.
Cooking
Microwave ovens reduce cooking time by 15% to 20% and save
energy. When boiling vegetables, use just enough water to
keep them covered. Use a jug kettle that has a water level
gauge to ensure you only heat the amount of water you need.
Cover saucepans with lids whenever possible to reduce the
cooking time.
Home Laundry & Dishwashers
Save electricity by using old-fashioned clothesline for
clothes drying. Avoid drying clothes on radiators as it
lowers the room temperature, making your boiler work harder.
Shut off dishwasher for dry cycle. Let your dishes "air
dry". Don't use dishwasher or laundry equipment until
you have a full load.
Fridges & Fridge Freezers
Make sure your refrigerator and freezer door seals are airtight.
Let hot foods cool before placing them in the refrigerator.
Defrost refrigerator regularly - when about 1/4 inch of
ice has formed. Place your refrigerator in the coolest part
of the kitchen - away from cookers, heaters and out of direct
sunlight.
Heating
Turn off electric water heater when going away for vacations
or weekends. Turn your heating down rather than opening
a window to reduce the room temperature. Never cover radiators
with curtains or furniture as this reduces their efficiency
and wastes valuable heat. When going on long holidays, remember
to switch your water heating off.
Work Tools
Use hand tools in your workshop instead of power tools.
Appliances
When shopping for new appliances, ask about energy-efficient
models. Buy appliances on the basis of cost plus operating
costs, not price alone. Limit the use of appliances that
use over 1,000 watts. Keep appliances clean and in good
working order. They'll use less energy.
Bills
Check all energy bills closely. Errors can be costly.
Insulation & Air conditioning
Insulating your attic will save on operating air conditioning
(also heating). If your walls are suitable, cavity wall
insulation will substantially reduce heat loss. Keep air
conditioning condenser shaded from sun or on north side
of house. Turn off air conditioning when no one is home.
