Top 12 Energy Saving Tips for Your Home

Want to cut the costs on your next energy bill? This simple and easy guide will show you how:

1. Pull the plugs. According to the Australian Greenhouse Office, Department of Environment and Water Resources, appliances on standby consume at least 10% of your electricity bill. Unplug these devices and appliances when not in use, and you’re on your way to saving some of your hard-earned cash. You can also enlist the help of appliance repairers to ensure that your machines are at their maximum efficiency.

2. Turn that heat low. An average house using electricity for water heating generates about 4 tonnes of greenhouse gas each year. Lower the thermostat setting on your water heater and consume less energy.

3. Clean or replace filters. Dirty filters in your air-conditioners and heaters block airflow and reduce your cooling and heating efficiency. Depending on the filter, they should be cleaned or replaced regularly to conserve energy.

4. Load it up. Run the dishwasher only when it’s full. You get to save water, too.

5. Wash clothes with cold water. Hot water uses lots of energy!

6. Use a programmable thermostat. These efficient little things lower the temperature once you step out the door. You can also keep your curtains or window shades closed to maintain temperature consistency.

7. Stop the leaks. A leaky faucet is money down the drain. Check all your faucets regularly. If you find some that are leaking, get them fixed ASAP.

8. Circulate. If it’s not too hot, consider turning on a ceiling fan instead of using an air-conditioner. It’s cheaper.

9. Use low flow. Conserving water is easy with a low-flow shower head. A low-flow shower head uses less water while maintaining good shower pressure. Take it up a notch and take shorter showers.

10. Choose good lighting. Replace your incandescent bulbs with new, energy-efficient ones. They come in a wide range of shapes and colours and also last up to three times longer than incandescent ones.

11. Seal the leaks. Make sure your home is insulated properly so your money doesn’t seep through the cracks.

12. Flush less. As the saying goes, “If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.” If that grosses you out, just keep a plastic basin in the sink and collect the water you use to wash your hands. You can then use it to flush the toilet.

By taking these steps, you’ll be doing a huge favour to your wallet and the environment.