Using less energy

Use less energy

Being more efficient with energy consumption is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to tackle climate change. You can make simple electricity savings throughout your household.

In all your rooms

  • Switch to energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs – they use one fifth the energy of older bulbs and last longer!
  • Use light timers or sensors
  • Make the most of any natural light.

In the bathroom

  • Installing an AAA-rated water saving showerhead can save you $20/person per year.
  • Fixing a dripping tap can save more than $25 per year.
  • Taking 3-4 minute showers by using a timer or playing your favourite song also helps save water and heating costs.

In the kitchen

  • Buy a refrigerator with a high efficiency rating, ensure the seals are in good condition, and don’t  make the thermostat setting too cold (1 degree can affect energy by 5%!).
  • Only do full dishwasher loads and use lowest temperature & shortest cycle.
  • Avoid opening oven doors (it can cause a 20 degree temperature drop!).

You might also consider where your food comes from. A large proportion of greenhouse gases are generated by transport. The more local, most likely the more efficient. Some people are also looking at their red meat consumption given the industry generates a significant share of greenhouse gases.

In the laundry

  • Buy a washing machine with a high efficiency rating (and front loading machines use much less water!)
  • Only wash full loads
  • Using cold water will cut your washing energy consumption in half.
  • Hang clothes out instead of using a dryer (your clothes will thank you!)

For appliances

  • Standby power sucks up to 12% of your energy (switch off the power point for things like computers, DVD players, pay TV boxes, faxes etc)
  • Buy electric appliances with higher efficiency ratings (each extra ’star’ saves around 10% of running costs) or buy Energy Star approved appliances.

Renovating, building or buying?

  • Think ‘green’ and make sure you (or your builder) makes the most of orientation to the sun, superior insulation, efficient heating, cooling, water usage, lighting and household appliances
  • Green homes can easily reduce their household energy consumption by 40% or more.

There are literally hundreds of other ways to make your energy consumption more efficient, so if you want to recommend some, please share them.