Energy saving tips at home

Your parents might be surprised by how much money they could save by following some of these tips! We’ve sorted them into ideas which have no cost, low cost and then some other great stuff they can do in the future.

No cost

Air conditioning: set air conditioners to 24 degrees Celsius or above. Evaporative coolers produce lower greenhouse gas emissions than refrigerative systems. Ceiling fans have the lowest emissions of all types of cooling systems.
Restrict pool pump use: Unless you are swimming, avoid running your pool pump between 4pm and 9pm. Use a timer on pool pumps and reduce operating times over winter.
Water heaters: Heating water contributes, on average, 30% of a household's energy use. Setting the thermostat to 60 degrees will save you money and still provide a hot shower.
Use major appliances at bed-time: use washing machines, dishwashers, dryers or any major appliance in low energy use times of the day and avoid using them between 4pm and 9pm.
Switch off: turn off appliances, such as computers and televisions, at the wall, if possible. Standby power can account for as much as 10% of total power bills.
Shut the curtains to keep the cool air in during summer and the warm air in during winter.
Power down between 4pm and 9pm

Low cost

Use lower wattage globes: Fit lower wattage globes or compact fluorescent lamps in bright lights, especially down lights and spotlights, and reduce greenhouse gases by up to 80% compared to incandescent lights. Replace conventional low voltage halogen down lights with LED down light kits.
Remote control switches: New remote plug systems are now available, They allow you to turn off up to four appliance with one remote control.

Future savings

Install ceiling insulation: A well insulated home can reduce cooling and heating costs by around 30%. Rebates for installing insulation are available from the Australian Government. For more information visit http://www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/insulation
Hot water systems: By replacing your electric hot water system with an energy efficient gas boosted solar hot water system you could save approximately 3,500 kg of greenhouse gases, or 270 days of electricity consumption each year.
Create clever garden designs: reduce energy demands in hot weather. Planting trees around the perimeter of your property creates a wind break, shades the garden and house protecting it from the direct energy of the sun. This provides the tree energy and it in turns cools your house reducing your power bill.
Energy ratings: Reach for the stars and save! Always choose energy efficient appliances. Buy a fridge with an extra star on its label and cut greenhouse gas emissions, in some cases, by close to 100 kilograms each year.