Energy Saving Tips To Help You Increase Savings

How to Save Even More Money

Tips On Saving Energy and Money

Read through these Helpful Hints to Save Even More On Your Electricity Charges

Air-Conditioner

• For every degree you raise the thermostat setting you will reduce your electricity costs by 3 to 5%
• 25.5ºC (78ºF) is the most efficient setting
• Raise the setting when you are gone for long periods of time
• Do not have it on an outside wall exposed to the afternoon sun
• Do not have any electrical equipment and/or lamps close to it as they effect the thermostat
• Completely seal around air-conditioners as warm air effects the thermostat
• If it is old replace it with an energy-efficient mode

Fans

• Adjust ceiling fans to pull up hot air in summer and push down in winter
• Place a fan in the window to blow hot air out during the day and pull cooler night air in

Appliances

• At least 6% of your electricity bill will be for appliances and equipment turned off but still plugged in
• The use of on/off power strips for many of these appliances and equipment will save electricity
• Do not use the oven on hot days
• Electric ignition system for gas stoves saves natural gas by not burning a pilot light
• Use glass cookware and reduce cooking temperatures by 25 degrees
• Toaster Ovens, Microwaves, Counter-Top Grills use less electricity than ovens
• Clean the back coils of refrigerator four times a year
• Do not keep your refrigerator too cold
• Frost buildup reduces efficiency
• Check the door seals so they are tight
• Do not pack the freezer to full to block the vents
• Only run dishwasher when full
• Air-dry dishes in dishwasher by opening the door and pulling trays ½ out over night and save 50% electricity to run it
• Only wash full loads of clothes
• Wash and rinse clothes in cold water
• Always clean out the lint trap of the dryer between loads
• Place a dry towel with wet clothes in the dryer to reduce drying time
• Dry several loads consecutively to use built-up heat
• Insulate your water heater and geyser as it can be the third largest energy expense
• Every 3 months drain a quart of water from the geyser/water heater to remove sediment that impedes heat transfer.
• Laptop computers use less electricity than desktop computers

Appliances

• Replace the 5 most used lights with CFL/CFB lights Power Saving Lights (Compact Fluorescent Lights)
• They do cost a little more but the savings are immediate
• CFL/CFB light last 10x longer – same light – less electricity

Miscellaneous Tips

• Recessed light fixtures can be a major source of heat loss
• Only heat or cool the rooms you actually need
• Caulk or spray foam any holes around pipes, windows, wires coming into the home
• Dry air is colder than moist air so put water pans by heaters or keep water in the bath tub
• Always draw curtains on hot days
• Close fireplace chimneys when not in use
• The home can be insulated against heat as well as cold temperatures
• To check your home for air-leaks do the following:
  • On a windy day hold a lit incense stick or a smoke pen next to any areas you want to check for air movement.
    Areas such as windows, doors, electrical boxes, wall sockets, plumbing fixtures, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches, etc.
• Over 40% of electricity costs can be just for heating and/or cooling the home
• Place the faucet lever on the kitchen sink in the cold position when using small amounts of water.

- For more tips click on this link www.dtei.sa.gov.au/energy