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Energy Saving Tips

For many households heating makes up a large part of their yearly energy bill. Poor house design, inadequate insulation and lack of proper window coverings and draught proofing, means that many consumers are paying high energy bills to be comfortable in winter.

1. Energy Saving Heating TIPs
2. Summer Cooling
3. Hot Water
4. Refrigeration
5. Cloths washing & Drying
6. Dishwashing
7. Cooking
8. Energy Efficient Lighting Hints
9. Other Appliances and General Energy Saving Tips

Energy Saving Heating TIPs

Close doors to separate heated from unheated areas of your home, and minimize the area you are heating.
Heat living areas to less than 21oC, every 1 oC increase in thermostat setting increases heating bills by around 15%.
Heat bedroom areas heated to less than 18oC.
Turn off the heating overnight and when you are out during the day.
If you have gas heaters, turn-off heater pilot lights during the warmer months.
Use a space or portable heater instead of the Central Heater, if only one room needs heating.
Choose heaters with thermostat controls and timers.
Choose heaters with ISI mark.
Keep heaters clean and regularly serviced.
Close windows and doors when you are heating.
Shut curtains, drapes and blinds when you are heating.
Use ceiling "sweep" fans to help distribute heat.
Open curtains and drapes on sunny winter days to let the sunlight in

Other Heating and Cooling Tips:

Insulate your home, higher levels of insulation reduces heat entering the house and makes any cooling or heating system more effective and efficient.
Seal up your home, use draft excluders on doors and windows and seal all gaps to the outside.

Summer Cooling

Poor house design, inadequate insulation and lack of proper window shading, means many homes will need to invest in a cooling system to stay comfortable. For many consumers with large homes the cost of running a whole house air-conditioner could add as much as $600 to the summer electricity

Energy Saving Summer Cooling Tips:

Ensure windows are well shaded from summer sun by external blinds or awnings.
Open windows and ventilate the house when the outside temperature is lower than inside.
On a hot day, close all blinds, curtains, windows and doors to keep out the heat.
Regularly clean the air-conditioner or cooler, keeping coils and fans free of dust.
Keep the area you are cooling to a minimum.
Cool bedroom and living areas to no less than 24oC.
Turn off the cooler overnight and when you are out during the day.
Locate the cooler on the shaded side of the home, away from ect sunlight.
Buy an air-conditioner with a 5 or 6 star energy rating
Run exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to flush out hot air overnight. This is especially useful on still nights.
Use fans to create cooling breezes.
Put off jobs such as cooking, washing and ironing for a cooler time of the day

Wear lightweight clothing so that air can pass across your skin and evaporate moisture. Keep lights to a minimum on hot summer nights.

Hot Water

Energy used for heating a family's hot water can cost up to $400 each year and contribute some 5 tonnes of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere

Energy Saving Hot Water Tips:

Insulate external hot water pipes.
Ensure hot water taps in good repair - no leaks or drips.
Check that your hot water heater's TPR (relief) valve is not leaking excessively.
Check that the hot water is at the optimum temperature.
If the unit has an adjustable thermostat, turn the hot water temperature down.
Use cold rinse for clothes washing and dishwashing.
Locate the hot water service close to hot water outlets.