Save energy, save money
Simple tips to save money on your energy bills
Use a power board
Avoid 'phantom loads’ by plugging frequently used electronics like TVs, computers, DVD players, and game consoles into a power board. You can hit the ‘off’ switch every time the equipment is not in use.
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, only run the dryer on a low heat setting and a full load. Check the door filter and vent pipe for lint build up before you start, otherwise the dryer will run longer and may pose a fire hazard.
Refrigeration
Keep your freezer and refrigerator full to help hold the cold inside. Don’t overfill it though, as this restricts air flow.
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 fridge/freezer door seals twice a year.
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 filter often and change/ clean it when it looks dirty.
Fix plumbing leaks
Identify water leaks by turning off all taps, then watch your water meter to see if it still moves.
Get those leaks fixed! A leaking sink tap of one drip per second, wastes 1,600 litres of water annually.
Outdoor tap leak fix video
Insulate ceiling access point
Insulating the ceiling’s manhole helps the rest of your ceiling insulation work as it should.
It also helps to minimise drafts in the ceiling that cause loose-fill insulation to shift, and in turn, degrades its value.
Seal air gaps
Caulk windows and weatherstrip doors that are leaking air.
Don't forget to seal around pipes and plumbing fixtures too! This can save you 10-20% on your heating and cooling costs.