Energy Saving Tips

When it comes to tackling climate change, every single action counts! Reducing our energy use and the volume of greenhouse gases we emit is the goal.

Whether you rent or own your home or place of business, there are many simple and practical steps you can take that call for very minor changes in your lifestyle. But it's amazing how such small changes can have an immediate impact – you'll save money and the environment will benefit bigtime!

Consider these energy saving suggestions.

§  Appliances and lighting

Save energy and money by installing energy efficient appliances and lighting. Whether you're buying, renting, building or renovating a home, we can all take action in these key areas.

§  Light globes
Think about switching your regular light globes to energy efficient fluorescent lights. These can use up to 75% less energy.

§  Goodbye standby!
Make sure all your appliances are turned off – not just on standby – whenever you’re not using them, especially when you go to bed at night. This simple step can help you save around 10% on your electricity bill.

§  Insulation
Insulate your ceiling, walls and floors. Homes without insulation can lose up to 35% of heat through the ceiling, up to 25% through walls and up to 20% through floors. (Commonwealth of Australia, 2007)

§  Cooling down and warming up
Get out of the habit of automatically reaching for the air conditioner on hot days. Start by using an external blind, pergola or deciduous vine to keep out the sun instead. Well-designed eaves give shade from summer sun while allowing winter sun in. Using external shading on east and west windows in summer is also important.

§  Cooking
Save energy when cooking by choosing the right tools. Gas is cheaper and less damaging to the environment than electricity. If you don’t have access to gas, consider using the microwave or electric kettle instead of the stovetop. And when filling your kettle use only the amount of water needed – any more just wastes energy.

§  Fridge and freezer
Keep your fridge and freezer clean and well ventilated. This means your fridge and freezer need space on all sides to allow heat to escape. Check regularly that your door seals close tightly and are kept clean. Remember to position your fridge and freezer away from heat sources such as ovens and cook tops.

§  Temperature range
Be aware that fridges operate best at temperatures between 3 and 5°C. Any lower or higher than this and your fridge will cost more to run or frost up. For freezers, the recommended range is -15 to -18°C. Regularly defrost both your fridge and freezer to remove any frost build-up.

§  Star power
When you buy energy-efficient appliances look for those with low standby power usage. Always check the energy or water rating label before purchasing and choose one with a high star rating.

§  Computers
Most computers are energy star compliant and use minimal power when in standby mode. However, the standby mode feature often isn't actually switched on. To find out how to energy star enable your computer go to www.energystar.gov.au/consumers/stepbystep.html.