Cut your energy bills

TV? Computer? Lights? How many appliances do you leave on when you’re not actually using them? Here are just a few reminders of how to cut your costs, and your impact on the environment too:
 

Air conditioning

Clean the filter element regularly

Set AC to recirculate mode when heating/cooling

Set thermostat to a comfortable level in relation to outside temperature

 

Cooking

Use microwave ovens where possible

Match size of pot to what you are cooking

Check oven seals

Avoid opening oven doors when cooking

Use appropriate cooking temperatures

Cook several dishes at once
 

Refrigeration

Keep the fridge defrosted

Clean the cooling coils behind the fridge once a year

Make sure the seals are working properly

Leave space around the fridge to allow the heat generated to escape

Turn off extra fridges when not in use

Set the thermostat to the correct temperature
 

Washing clothes

Use cold water

Wash with a full load

Dry outdoors where possible

Spin dry the clothes before placing in the dryer

Don’t over or under-load dryers
 

Water heating

Set thermostat to comfortable level

Insulate pipes and tanks
Fix drips and leaks
Check pressure release valves for leaks
Turn off when away
Reduce hot water use >>
 

Lighting

Replace halogen down lights with micro compact fluorescent lights

Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms
Where possible, use natural lighting
Use long lasting compact fluorescent globes
 

Dishwasher

Run dishwasher only when fully loaded
Connect the dishwasher to cold water
Let the contents dry naturally
 

Other appliances

Empty vacuum cleaner bags and clean filters
Save your ironing until you have several items to iron
Use an electric blanket rather than heating a room
 

Home heating and cooling

Insulate walls and ceilings

Install whirly birds if possible
Block gaps and cracks
Use heaters with thermostat controls
Close your curtains and shut doors and windows
Only heat the rooms you are actually using
Rug up!

 

 

Our Energy Saving tips leaflet will give you even more ideas. >>

 

Check out how much every appliance costs you and the environment with our Integral Energy Calculator . >>