Ways to Save Energy – Victoria
Energy Saving Tips
Electric hot water systems
Switch from electric to gas hot water, or gas-boosted solar and you may be eligible for a rebate and incentives to help cut the cost of installation. Not only will your solar hot water system reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it can also save you up to 75% on your hot water bill. Solar hot water system rebates and incentives are available through a range of retailers and installers across Victoria. For more information, visit saveenergy.vic.gov.au.
Swimming pool
Pool pumps use more electricity than you might expect – in terms of electricity usage, having a swimming pool can be the equivalent of having seven extra people in your household! Some pool pumps use a lot more electricity to filter your pool effectively than others, so look for energy star ratings (to be introduced in mid 2010) when purchasing a pool pump.
Electric cook top
Gas appliances can be more efficient than electric appliances, so switch to gas if you can. Also, to reduce electricity use when cooking, remember to keep a lid on it! Cooking with pots and pans covered can conserve energy and reduce your bills at the same time.
Electric oven
Gas appliances can be more efficient than electric appliances, so switch if you can.
Air conditioning
Air conditioning can be a major contributor to peak electricity loads. However, how often you use your air conditioner will determine whether or not air conditioning is a major contributor to your overall electricity consumption. Look for air conditioners with at least a 4.5 star energy rating - every extra star can reduce running costs by 10%. In summer, set your thermostat to about 26 degrees. For every 1ºC you increase your thermostat, you can save about 10% on running costs.
Electric under floor heating
An energy-efficient heating system costs less to run and produces less greenhouse gas emissions. Look for the energy star rating on central heating systems and reverse cycle air conditioners - the higher the rating, the more efficient the system will be. Go for 4 to 6 stars if you can. Incentives are also available to help you switch. To find out more, visit www.saveenergy.vic.gov.au.
Electric central heating (ducted/split cycle/reverse cycle)
An energy-efficient heating system will cost less to run and produce less greenhouse gas emissions. Look for the energy star rating on central heating systems and reverse cycle air conditioners - the higher the rating, the more efficient the system is. Go for 4 to 6 stars if you can. Incentives are also available to help you switch. To find out more, visit www.saveenergy.vic.gov.au.
Computers
Switch your computer, monitor, printer and speakers off whenever they are not in use. Standby energy consumption can be considerable and contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Try to buy appliances that use no more than one watt of electricity when in standby mode.
Refrigerators
Switch off any extra fridges you have when not in use. When buying a fridge, always look for one with at least 4 stars, or 4.5 stars if you are buying a freezer. Every extra star can save you money on running costs. Incentives are available for the purchase of high efficiency fridges and for the disposal of energy guzzling fridges through the Energy Saver Incentive scheme. To find out more, visit www.saveenergy.vic.gov.au.
Televisions
Switch off your television when you're not watching it. When buying a new television, choose the most energy efficient one you can. Use the energy efficiency rating label on the television to help guide you in making your purchase.
Dishwashers
Run the dishwasher only when it's full. Use the most efficient program you can, i.e. with the lowest temperature or shortest running time. When buying a dishwasher, choose one with at least 3.5 star energy rating. Every extra star can reduce running costs by up to 30% a year - the more stars, the more you save. The most efficient dishwashers also use half the water of average models.
Clothes dryers and Washing machines
Save energy by drying your clothes on a clothesline whenever you can. By partly drying your wash load in the sun or wind (even on a cloudy day), you’ll be saving energy - your dryer can then be used to finish off the drying as required. When buying a washing machine, choose one with at least a 3.5 star energy rating and a dryer with at least 2 stars. Washers are also rated for water efficiency - go for at least 4 stars. Every extra star rating can cut 25% off the lifetime running costs of washers and 15% off dryers.
Want more energy saving tips and ideas?
Visit these sites:
www.saveenergy.vic.gov.au
www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au
www.energyrating.gov.au
Checklists
We’ve put together some simple checklists to help you cut the cost of your domestic gas and electricity bills.
Print and keep them in a handy place for quick and easy reference.