Energy Saving Tips

1)   Wash your clothes in cold water (studies show that hot water has little benefit). And only full loads at a time.

Of course your washing machine uses electricity but did you realise that you’re using even more power if the hot or warm wash cycles are selected?

If you have electric hot water, it’ll usually account for a third of your total power use and if you use hot or warm water washing cycles this will really bump your bill up. As most electricity in New South Wales is generated from coal-fired power stations, electric hot water is a major contributor to carbon pollution.

Lots of people choose to use the cold wash cycle, or just connect their washing machine to the cold water tap, because cold water washes just as well as warm but is cheaper and has less impact on our environment.

Big savings

By using cold water rather than a warm wash you can save about $30 each year off your power bill – more if you regularly use the hot wash cycle. You’ll also remove 400kg of dirty carbon pollution.

It’s easy to save power and money by washing in cold water:

• there are many environmentally-friendly detergents available for cold water washing
• look at the recommended care instructions on any garment and you’ll see most clothes don’t need a hot water wash
• your clothes wash just as well in cold water and are less prone to shrinking and fading

You can save even more money and further reduce carbon pollution by hanging your clothes out to dry rather than using your dryer.

Laundry Day ~ Energy Conservation Tips and Techniques 

Wash your clothes in cold water (studies show that hot water has little benefit). And only full loads at a time.

Use the cool cycle or low heat setting as much as possible on your dryer.

Add 2 or 3 tennis balls to a load. They keep fabrics fluffed up and reduces drying time.

Install a clothes line to dry sheets and other bedding or white cottons. Not only will it reduce your power bill but the sun bleaches your cottons to a crisp white and the fragrance can’t be imitated.

Front loading washers use less power, water and detergent and any appliance that displays the energy star logo has been proven in the energy conservation department.

2) Lighting

It doesn’t get much easier to save money than this!

By switching lights off in rooms that you’re not using, you can save money and lower your carbon pollution.

In places where you need to keep lights switched on for long periods (like the living room or kitchen) choose energy efficient globes (LEDS) instead of old-style incandescent (pear-shaped) bulbs and, if possible, use movement and daylight sensors or timers rather than leaving lights on for long periods.

See the light! Simply by switching lights off when you leave a room you can save $100 a year – and you’ll also stop 400kg of carbon pollution being released into the atmosphere.

Big savings

Make the best use of natural light

Natural light costs you nothing and well-designed north-facing windows and skylights let in light without adding to heating and cooling costs.

The decor in your home may also contribute to your power usage – while light coloured surfaces reflect and distribute natural light, dark surfaces absorb it, making you reach for the light switch.

Make light use of artificial lighting

To make the best use of artificial lighting:

• Switch to LEDS where lighting is required for long periods of time – like in living rooms, over kitchen benches or on desks
• replace low-voltage halogen down lights with energy efficient fittings – if retrofitting isn’t an option, fit lower wattage and more efficient bulbs
• use task lighting, such as reading lamps, when only a specific area needs to be lit rather than lighting the entire room
• use timers, movement and daylight sensors for hallway, outdoors and special lighting needs
• choose lighter colours for lampshades, walls and furnishings, so they don’t absorb natural light
• check light fittings do not block the release of light, keep them clear of obstructions and free from dust
• install two-way switches to encourage lights to be switched off at either end of the room
• provide separate switching controls and separate lighting into small groups or types for optimal lighting control

  Lighting ~ Energy Conservation Tips and Techniques 

• Use scented candles in rooms on dark evenings instead of leaving a light on.
• Turn lights off in unused rooms.
• Put dimmer switches on lights where you don’t always need bright light.
• Installing a Solar Powered Security Light outside will ensure safe passage for your family and guests while discouraging intruders. Solar lights use no expensive grid power.
• Use LED light bulbs in all light fixtures. LED (or light emitting diode) bulbs are better than those twirly compact fluorescent bulbs and way better than incandescents.

Initially LED bulbs are more expensive at $25 to $30 per bulb BUT they’ll last for 22 years.

The cost of incandescent bulbs over 22 years would be well over $100.00, more than 3 times the cost of LED’s.

3)    Always turn off your standby power especially on entertainment units, home computers,game stationsand microwaves. There are many simple devises to help with this such as the Easy-Off Remote Socket.

If appliances are left on standby they are still using power and this can really add up.

TVs, DVDs, VCRs, set-top boxes, games consoles, stereos and computers are the obvious ones to watch but actually there are lots of appliances that continue to use electricity if they’re not turned off at the power point.

Did you know that mobile phone and other chargers, if left plugged in, use power even if they’re not connected to your phone or equipment? In fact, a microwave oven can use more power and generate more carbon pollution running the digital clock than cooking food.

Over a year, this can all add up to 10 per cent of your power bill. Just think about it: if your yearly electricity bill is $1,000 you’re paying $100 on powering appliances that you’re not even using!

Big savings

By simply switching your appliances and equipment off at the wall, you can save $125 and at the same time cut your household’s carbon pollution by 500kg per year.

Not completely switching off

As well as switching off at the power point, there are other power-saving features often built into new electronics, computers and office equipment:

• look for new appliances that are ENERGY STAR compliant – they reduce the amount of power used when in standby or idle mode (but switching off is better)
• enable power saving features on computers, screens, fax machines, scanners, printers and office equipment – consult the manufacturer’s website or instruction manuals to find out how, or visit the ENERGY STAR website
• choose multi-function devices where possible, to simplify power management and reduce power consumption.

Electronics ~ Energy Conservation Tips and Techniques

Plug electronics into a power bar that can be easily switched off at night. TV’s, computers and stereo equipment in particular, use energy even when they’re turned off. The power bar essentially unplugs without unplugging.

When charging devices overnight the batteries only need a few hours (not all night), use a timer to turn off the charger after 3 to 4 hours. The device will be charged without wasting power.

Laptop computers use much less energy than a desk top.

 4)   Vacuum or dust the coils at the back of refrigerators and freezers every month to allow for better circulation and minimize power needs.

Fridges and freezers are big power users – they can account for around 14 per cent of your household’s annual power bills. But there are a few small adjustments that you can make that will help your fridge run more efficiently, and save you a few dollars too.

For example, fridges need to be set at 3-4°C⁽¹⁾ and freezers at -18°C to keep food fresh. Any lower and you’re just paying for wasted power.

Lowering your fridge temperature by a tiny 1°C will quickly add up on your power bill, as well as generating about five per cent more carbon pollution each year.

Checklist to help your fridge run on less power

• check temperature with an appliance thermometer
• set the thermostat or fridge temperature to suit both load and contents
• keep items at least 50mm away from the coils at the back of the fridge⁽²⁾
• install your fridge or freezer in a cool spot out of the sun and away from the oven
• keep door seals clean and check the door closes properly
• don’t open the door too often or leave it open long – warm air will get in
• turn off, empty and clean or use the holiday mode if you’re going away
• defrost regularly or when ice is more than five millimeters thick
• do not overload, leave room inside for cool air to circulate

Big savings

• Setting your fridge temperature at the right level and making sure that it is operating efficiently can shave about $25 off your power bill and lower your household carbon pollution by 100kg (or 2,000 black balloons) a year. Just imagine the huge environmental savings if everyone in your street did the same thing!
• Is it time for a new fridge or freezer? Replace your fridge with an energy efficient model.