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Kitchens
When cooking, avoid running your oven for longer than the recipe asks for, or use the microwave instead. Microwaves are more energy efficient than electric ovens.
When using your stove top, keep lids on pots to heat them faster.
Kettles can use a lot of energy, so only fill it with the amount of water you need. More water to heat means more energy consumed .
Use a dishwasher? Check for an ‘eco’ setting and switch it on. This will lower its energy and water consumption. Also wait until it’s full before starting it up.
Set your fridge and freezer to their recommended temperatures (usually 4°C for the fridge and -18°C for the freezer).
Windows
Your home can lose up to 40% of its heating in winter through its windows.
Applying window films can be a cost-effective alternative to double-glazing existing windows. This can help regulate temperatures and reduce the need for heating and cooling.
If you can’t install pelmets, use rolled towels on top of your curtains or blinds to stop draughts.
If possible, install external blinds or plant deciduous trees in front of your north and west facing windows to help protect them from gaining unwanted summer heat, while allowing the warmth in during the cooler months.
Washers and dryers
Only wash when you have a full load of laundry and do it in cold water, rather than hot water.
Look for an ‘eco’ setting on your washing machine or dryer and if they have one, use it. This will lower the energy and water consumption.
Clean the lint filter on your washing machine regularly to maintain full air flow.
Make use of the fine and breezy days, particularly in the warmer months, and dry clothing outside instead of using your dryer.
Heating and cooling
Close windows and doors, and draw blinds and curtains early in the day to maintain and prevent major changes in temperatures in the house.
Cool your house down naturally by opening your windows and blinds when the outside temperature drops.
When using heating and cooling, keep your thermostat set between 18⁰C – 20⁰C in winter and 24⁰C – 27⁰C in summer.
If you have ducted heating/cooling, only cool or heat the rooms you are using to create zoned areas in your home. And remember to shut doors and windows.
Dress for the temperature. Wear additional layers of clothing in winter. Once you are in the most appropriate clothing, you may not need to run the heater.
Electrical devices and lights
If possible, set your device to enter sleep or hibernate mode automatically after it hasn’t been used for a few minutes.
Switch off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you’re not using them as they can draw a substantial amount of power. If you have a timer, consider if you can set them to turn off while you sleep.
When you’re buying a new device, choose one with a high Energy Star Rating.
Switch off appliances and device charges at the wall to reduce standby power when you’re not using them.
Make use of natural light as much as possible during the day. But be mindful of the window tips we’ve listed above too.
Switch off the lights when you leave a room.
Replace all incandescent globes and bulbs with LED’s, as they can provide the same lightning but use far less energy.
Shower and bath
Heating water contributes to approximately 30% of electricity bills.
Reduce the amount of hot water you use by having shorter showers. Or even turn off the water while your soaping yourself.
When using a bath, can you lower the water level? Less water in the bathtub will mean you use less hot water.
If possible, install flow restrictors to your taps to reduce the amount of water that comes out of them.
Can you turn down the temperature on your hot water system? Most hot water systems have a thermostat that can be easily adjusted. But safety should come first, so only adjust it if you know exactly what to do. If you’re unsure about doing this, ask your plumber to do it the next time the hot water system is serviced.
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