Home Energy Saving Tips

Here are some simple home energy saving tips and ideas that contribute to making a difference.

• Install these energy-efficient measures:

o Replace and recycle your old refrigerator and purchase energy-efficient models. Units more than 10 years old have been shown to use two to three times more electricity than a new energy rated model.

o Insulate ceilings to R3.0 standards.

o Seal windows, doors and anywhere air leaks in or out.

o Add weather strips around windows and doors.

o Wrap heating and cooling ducts with duct wrap, or use mastic sealant.

o Install water-saver showerheads.

• When buying new appliances, be sure to purchase energy-efficient models with as many stars as possible.

• Set the air-conditioner thermostat at 24 degrees or higher, in summer and at 21 degrees or lower in winter.

• If your old air conditioner is on its way out replace it with a split system inverter unit with as many stars in its energy-efficiency rating as possible.

• Use compact fluorescent bulbs or LED's. You can lower your lighting bill by converting to energy-efficient low-wattage compact fluorescent or LED lighting and fixtures. The light generated by modern versions is very acceptable. If you have lots of 12 volt halogen lights (as was the fashion a few years ago), you are burning way more electricity than you need to and adding significant heat loads to your house

• Consider replacing windows with double glazed versions.

• Clean or replace heater and air-conditioner filters regularly, following manufacturer's instructions.

• Set the water heater thermostat at 60 degrees or "normal."

• If your hotwater is heated by renewable energy make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are using this rather than letting them heat their own water. Even using hot water from your off peak electric system will be more efficient and cost effective than letting these appliances heat their own.

• Wash only full loads in a dishwasher and use the shortest cycle that will get your dishes clean. Experiment with different detergents to find one that will work effectively for you - it probably won't be the cheapest brand or the most colourful box. Contact us if you want our recommendation. If operating instructions allow, turn off the dishwasher before the drying cycle, open the door and let the dishes dry naturally.

• Fix defective plumbing or dripping taps. A single dripping hot water tap can waste over 1000 litres of water a month. That not only increases water bills, but also increases the gas or electric bill for heating the water.

• Defrost refrigerators and freezers before ice build up becomes 10 mm thick.

• Install shades, awnings or sunscreens on windows facing north and/or west to block the hot summer sun. In winter, open shades on sunny days to help warm rooms.

• Close the damper when the fireplace is not being used. Try not to use the fireplace and central heating system at the same time.

• Install an electricity monitor in your home. Locating the display in a high traffic area like the kitchen, creates an awareness amongst all the occupants of just how much juice the house is using. Being able to measure the effects of changes instantly is a positive motivator. Plus it takes some of the pressure off the house "energy Nazi".

Check out these energy and water saving ideas in the laundry.
Laundry Tips - Clothes Washing
Laundry Tips - Clothes Drying

Want more? Check this site for a 110+ Energy Saving Tips for your home.

Free Help for Australians

Home Energy Savings Advice P.L. have fully accredited and insured assessors available to assist you in planning your energy savings strategy. We have a wealth of home energy saving tips to help tailor a plan to suit your property and your budget.

As this program has definite quotas and budget, we would encourage you to take advantage of the Governments generosity as soon as possible.

For further details check out the official Green Loans web page.

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