5 September 2017
Ways to save on your electricity costs
Lights
- Replace incandescent light globes with fluorescent bulbs that can save up to 75% of your lighting costs.
- Turn lights off in rooms not being used.
- Install timers, automatic switches and daylight or movement sensors for outside lighting.
Appliances
- Turn off your television, sound system and computer when no-one is using them. Remember if the standby light is on, they are using electricity.
Air conditioning
- Run your air conditioner at the recommended temperature in summer of 24°C – 27°C. Every 1°C cooler will increase your energy costs by around 10 to 15%.
- Keep the curtains closed for rooms that are westerly facing to block out the sun in the afternoon.
- Use ceiling fans rather than air conditioning or in conjunction with your air conditioner.
Hot water
- Turn of your electric hot water if you are going on holidays.
- Lower the temperature of your hot water system
- Installing a solar-boosted hot water unit can save you up to 90% of your hot water costs on a sunny day.
- Repair any dripping taps. A hot water tap dripping can cost your money not only the heating but the cost of the water.
- Install new AAA rated shower rose, and save about 25% of hot water energy.
- Take a four minute shower, remember the less hot water you use showering or bathing, the less you need to heat.
Kitchen
- Cook some food in a microwave they use 70% less electricity than ovens.
- Buy energy efficient appliances.
- Ensure oven seals are not broken.
- Only run the dishwasher with a full load.
- On hot days wash up and let your dishes dry on the rack.
- Limit the amount of time you open the fridge on a hot day.
- Set your fridge between 3°C and 4°C and your freezer between minus 15°C and 18°C. Every 1°C lower will increase your energy costs by around 5%.
- Turn off spare fridges and freezers when not in use.
- Make sure your fridge is out of direct sunlight and heating cooking appliances.
Laundry
- Use cold water for everyday washing
- Don’t overload the washing machine.
- Front-loading washing machines are up to 15% more energy efficient than top loading machines.
- Hang clothes on the line where possible rather than using clothes driers.
- Put clothes on a n extra spin cycle before going into the drier
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