ACCORD ELECTRICAL

Tips for Saving Energy - and money:

Appliances:

- Choose appliances by looking at their energy rating. The more stars in the rating, the more you will save on your energy bills.

- Make sure the appliance is installed properly

- Make sure the refrigerator has the correct temperature set on the thermostat and that it is positioned in a cool spot in the home where air can circulate around.

- Try to use the clothesline as often as possible, rather than the clothes dryer.

- Turn off appliances at the power point when not in use.

Hot Water Use:        

-     Investigate alternatives to conventional hot water systems. www.ecologicalhomes.com.au/heat_exchange_systems.htm

- Choose a hot water system with a high energy star rating

- Check that your hot water system and hot water pipes are well insulated.

- Limit showers to less than 5 minutes.

- Install efficient shower head or water restriction valves.

- Wash clothes using a cold water cycle.

 Lighting:

- Turn off lights when you leave a room

- Install compact fluorescent lighting  (CFL) in areas that are used for long periods of time.  Click here for a price comparison between CFL and conventional lights.

- Use fluorescent lamps rather than incandescent lamps where possible. Fluorescents use about 70% less electricity than incandescent lamps of similar output and are very efficient for areas where lighting is required for long periods of time. Fluorescent lamps are between two and ten times the price of an incandescent light bulb, but have ten times the life.

- Don’t leave outdoor lights on all night or during the day. Install timing devices, light sensors or movement detectors for outside use.

- Make use of natural light by positioning desks, tables & seating near windows.

- Use the lowest wattage light needed to adequately light up an area.

- Choose light fittings that allow most of the light through so a lower wattage bulb can be used. Some light fittings can block 50% or more of the light.

- Clean light fittings regularly to allow more light to pass through.

- Use incandescent lights for general or special purpose lighting only in rooms used infrequently and for short periods, such as laundries and toilets.

- Downlights provide bright pools of light rather than general illumination. Up to six downlights may be required to light the same area as one pendant light. They can also cause gaps in the ceiling insulation, particularly if they require clear space to allow heat to dissipate.

- Think about other ways of lighting with fluorescents before installing halogens. If you select halogen lamps, you can still save energy by fitting lower wattage and more efficient bulbs.

- Light coloured paint and furnishings reflect light, reducing the need for high levels of artificial lighting.

Heating & Cooling:

- Insulate the floor, walls and ceiling of your home.

- Seal out draughts.

- Use close fitting blinds.

- Choose and install an energy efficient heater or cooler.

- Wear more clothes in the cold instead of turning up the heater.

- Switch off heaters and coolers when you are not home.

Did you know it is estimated that one degree difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures adds 10% to heating and cooling bills?

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Last modified: 10/09/06