Ways to Save Energy – South Australia
Top 10 Energy Saving Tips
Try these tips to help lower your household energy bill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
1. Thermostats
Set heating and cooling thermostat temperatures as low as you feel comfortable with during winter (suggest 19-20ºC) and as high as you feel comfortable with during summer (suggest 25-26ºC). Each 1ºC above during winter and below during summer will increase energy use by around 10%.
2. Shading
Shade all your windows, other than those that face south, with fixed shading devices e.g. awnings and pergolas. An unshaded square metre of glass will let in almost as much heat as a one-bar radiator.
3. Fans
Are relatively inexpensive to run at around 2c/hr. While they do not cool the air they can reduce the need to switch on other higher energy consuming appliances and systems.
4. Water Efficient Shower Heads
Install AAA rated shower heads which dispense water at 9litres/minute compared to 20-25 litres/minute from a more traditional shower head. Less water used means less energy needed to heat it.
5. Solar Hot Water
Consider installing a solar hot water system. If you live in Adelaide the sun can contribute enough energy to heat 60-70% of your hot water. This will significantly reduce your need to heat water using electricity or gas.
6. Refrigerators
Try and get by with only one fridge/freezer. If you do need to have a second fridge or freezer, only turn it on when required.
7. Fluorescent Lighting
Replace incandescent lighting in frequently lit rooms with fluorescent tubes or compact fluorescent globes. Fluorescent lighting uses only one fifth the energy of incandescent lighting and can last up to 10 times longer. Compact fluorescent globes are available at most supermarkets.
8. Standby Power
This is the energy used by an appliance/item while plugged in but not performing its primary function e.g. when the red standby light is illuminated on your TV/VCR. If an appliance has a standby mode, switch it off at the power point when not in use or when you are going away for more than a few days.
9. Energy (Star) Ratings
Where applicable use appliance Energy (Star) Ratings to select energy efficient appliances. The more stars, the more efficient.
10. Insulation
Heat entry and exit in your home can be greatly reduced by installing appropriate "R" value insulation in the ceilings and external walls (if possible). This will reduce the need to heat and cool your house.
Looking for more energy saving tips and information?
Check out these sites:
energy.sa.gov.au/be_energy_smart
www.climatechange.sa.gov.au
www.energyrating.gov.au
Checklists
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