Save energy, save money
Simple tips to save money on your energy bills
Use a power board
"Phantom Loads" come from appliances that still use power even when turned off. Avoid "Phantom Loads" by plugging for example electronics like TVs, computers, DVDs, and game consoles into a power strip that you can turn off with one switch.
Fill the dishwasher
Only run the dishwasher when the load is full.
If handwashing dishes, turn off the water except when rinsing.
Turn off the lights
Keep the lights off when not in use. Same goes for any electronics!
Shorten it
Set a timer and challenge yourself to keep your shower under 6 minutes.
Turn the water off whilst brushing your teeth too.
Fan yourself
Use fans for comfort when someone is in a room, instead of air conditioning.
Set the direction of ceiling fan blades to blow down in summer and up in winter.
Wash with cold
80% of the energy used when washing dishes and clothes is the result of heating your water.
Line dry clothes
Dry your clothes using the sun instead of your wallet. If a clothesline or drying rack is not an option, remember to run full dryer loads only, on a low-heat setting,
Check the vent pipe for lint build up too, which may cause it to run longer.
Refrigeration
Keep freezer and refrigerator close to full to help hold the cold inside. Note that storing items too tightly together will restrict air flow.
If not quite full enough, you could store water bottles. This way the fridge works better and you enjoy cold cold water.
Keep your freezer temperature between -11 and -23°C and your refrigerator between 2 and 5°C. These temperature ranges help ensure food safety and appliance efficiency.
Wipe down the fridge/ freezer door gaskets/seals when they get dirty.
Wait for hot food to cool down to room temperature before placing them in the fridge. Otherwise, your fridge is working harder and longer to keep cool inside, and this costs you!
Heating and cooling
In the summer, set the cooling temperature to 25-27°C or higher.
In the winter, set the heat temperature to 20°C or lower.
Check your filters often and change/ clean it when they look dirty.
Fix plumbing leaks
Identify water leaks and get them fixed.
A sink tap leaking one drip per second wastes 1,600 litres of water annually.
If it is a hot water tap, you are paying for water and energy.
Outdoor tap leak fix video