Conserving Energy is an important issue for everyone, not only will it save you money but it will help save our environment too.  Here are some simple but effective energy saving tips you could use at home.

Air Conditioning

• Set your air-con to 24°C in Summer and 20°C in Winter
• Keep doors, windows, curtains and blinds shut in the rooms you wish to cool – best to do this early in the day to beat the heat
• Keep the filter pads on your air-conditioner clean
• Insulating your ceilings, walls and floors will help keep your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter

Appliances

• Turn off appliances at the wall instead of leaving them on standby
• Freezers work better when they’re defrosted more often. Also check your fridge seal regularly to make sure no cold air is escaping
• Use energy saving power boards
• Use fans, not only are they are easier on peak demand but they will also save you money
• When not being used, make sure TVs, computers and games are switched off at the wall
• Turn off your second fridge or freezer

Hot Water

• Switching your hot water to off-peak, will save you money

Dishwashers

• Use the dishwasher only when you have a full load. Turning it on for small loads wastes both water and electricity
• Use the shortest and coolest washing cycle that will get the job done

Washing Machines & Dryers

• Use the washing machine only when you have a full load. Turning it on for small loads wastes both water and electricity
• Choose the shortest cycle that will get the job done, and wash clothes in cold water
• Instead of using the dryer, hang your washing outside to dry

Lighting

• Next time you are replacing your light bulb, choose an energy efficient one with the lowest wattage needed to light the room
• At the same time as replacing your light bulbs, clean fittings, reflectors and lampshades as dusty or dirty lights reduce light output

Other

• Conserve energy usage between 4pm and 8pm and help reduce peak demand. Try not to use unnecessary power during these times, for example the dishwasher, washing machine and clothes dryer
• Buy an energy efficient pool pump, or switch your existing one to off-peak
• Going away on holiday? Make sure everything is switched off at the walls before leaving
• On hot days, use a BBQ or microwave for cooking
• Building or renovating? Make sure you switch to off-peak during this time