Saving energy is something that is often talked about but not as often practiced. How many times have you gone to work and left the television on standby? Or the microwave switched on at the power point?
These are just 2 of the most common ways that a household wastes energy every day.
We have put together a guide that could help you save up to 70% on your current energy bill.
Firstly, Compare Utilities on the Ask Donald website and have us help you find the right plan on the right rates based on your usage habits and requirements.
Then follow these simple tips to reduce your energy even further.
The Family Room
Switch appliances off at the wall
Make sure you switch all electrical appliances off at the wall. TVs, DVD players, computers, stereos and game consoles still use energy in standby mode.
Use a power board
Using a power board to power multiple appliances in the same area makes remembering to turn all switches off at the wall socket easier with less to remember.
Use lamps or spotlights
Do you need all the lounge room lights on? Use a lamp or spotlights for smaller tasks such as reading.
Use energy-saving globes
Check your light globes? Changing to fluorescent globes can save up to 40% on your current energy output through lighting.
How many lights are on?
As you walk out of a room turn off the lights.
The Kitchen
Microwave oven
Thaw food in the fridge or at room temperature (use common sense when thawing food in summer on warmer days and the food will be exposed for an extended length of time) first to reduce cooking time. Microwaves use less energy than an oven.
Using the stovetop
Keep a lid on pots when cooking to reduce the amount of time and energy used. Dinner will be cooked faster too.
Boiling water
Try to use the kettle to boil water rather than the stove to reduce energy used.
Dishwasher
Use the economy cycle for everyday washing and only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
This helps save water too. Try to fill the dishwasher before a starting a cycle as well.
Fridge and freezer
Set your fridge temperature to 4-5 degrees and your freezer temperature between -15 and -18 degrees Celsius (Make sure you check the manufactures recommendations in the manual as well). Keep fridges and freezers in a cool, well-ventilated spot away from the oven and the sun to save electricity.
The Laundry
Washing clothes
As with the dishwasher try to wash a full load as this will reduce number of times the washing machine is run, this will also help to reduce water. Wash in cold water where possible and spin for as long as possible before drying.
Drying clothes
Use the clothes horse or clothes line to dry clothes rather than the dryer, Make sure clothes aren’t dripping wet when placed in the dry, use the spin cycle in the washing machine to dry as much as possible. Keep the lint filter clean.
The bathroom
Use water wisely
Look to install water-saving showerheads in your home will reduce the amount of hot water and energy used. Take a shower for about 3 minutes as this will water and energy. Reduce the number of times you wash your hair weekly as this adds time to your shower.
Switch off appliances
Switch off or unplug appliances such as hairdryers, electric toothbrushes and radios.
Outside
Use timers and sensors
Use timers and sensors to light outside areas. This also can be used as a security
measure when you’re out and about after dark.
Use solar power
Can you change your outdoor lighting to solar power?
Cooling and heating
Reduce your need for cooling and heating devices
Close the door in rooms not being used as this will reduce the area required to heat or cool thus reducing energy.
Keep curtains and outside window shades closed to keep the room/s at an even temperature.
Use an extra blanket, hot water bottle even an electric blanket to reduce the amount of energy required to heat the bedroom.
Look after your cooling and heating systems
Check your manual for air conditioners, split cycle units and other heating and cooling appliances. By keeping up regular maintenance will reduce the amount of power they use.
By following these tips you will reduce your power bill and have additional funds to spend on more important things like pampering yourself or your family with say a holiday?
Take 5 minutes to Compare your energy now.
Comment