Energy saving tips
It’s a win-win when energy saving at home can protect both your hip pocket, and the environment. While some energy saving tips may take a bit of planning, others are really simple. After a few lifestyle tweaks, you may be saving more energy and more money than you thought possible.
If you’re looking for ways to curb spending, try these energy saving tips.
Switch off
Wherever possible, turn appliances and electronics off completely by unplugging them. Equipment such as your printer, TV, and laptop all consume energy when they’re on standby.
When buying any electronics such as a fridge, washing machine or TV, consider the Energy Star label. The Energy Rating Label will show the standby power consumption for all appliances. Avoid dipping below four stars, if it’s within budget because short term expense can result in long term savings.
Clean clothes
Use energy ratings to choose energy-efficient washing machines and dryers. The more stars, the more energy-efficient the appliance. If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, look for a front loader. The reason is that this type of washing machine typically uses 50% less water
1.
While top loaders are still more affordable to buy, front loaders are cheaper to run because they’re more energy and water efficient. Since washing a full load or only a few items uses the same amount of energy, always ensure there’s a reasonable amount of laundry before you start a load.
Brightest bulb
Save on lighting energy by swapping incandescent globes for fluoro globes, such as LED and CFL. While energy-efficient lights are more expensive, your costs are recouped through substantial energy savings of around 75%
2. Compact fluoro globes have a longer life of 8 to 10,000 hours compared with the 1,000 hours from incandescent light. Use fluorescent lighting in the kitchen, lounge, family room and other areas where lights are on for more than four hours a day. When it comes to lamps, light coloured lampshades absorb less light. To maximise your power savings, regularly clean your lampshades and light fittings.
Seal it
It’s not surprising that on average your fridge and freezer are among the biggest users of energy
4 in your house. Running 24 hours a day, all year round, even the smallest energy saving can make a big difference. Start by checking the door seal. If the seal is good, you shouldn’t feel any cool air escaping. Be practical about what you need, as buying an oversized fridge or freezer isn’t great for your wallet or the environment.
Again, the higher the energy rating, the more efficient the appliance. The location of your white goods is also important. Look for a cool location, far from ovens, stoves and direct sunlight, ensuring there is good air circulation around the refrigerator and/or freezer. Always avoid unnecessary opening of doors, and especially keeping them open for extended periods.
