Many of these tips cost nothing, but save you and the 🌏 a lot!
| Take shorter showers and avoid having baths – try not to bathe every day unless you need to. | Buy a solar or gas energy efficient water heater. Make sure you check the energy star ratings. |
| Switch appliances off at the power point when they are not in use. | Switch computers and IT equipment off at the end of each day and use the power save function when you leave your desk during the day, even if it is only for a few minutes. Also, by reducing the brightness of your computer screen you can cut greenhouse emissions by a further 25%. |
| Wash clothes in cold water, whenever possible | Only run the dishwasher when it is full |
| Replace outdated appliances and white goods and choose energy efficient models when buying new ones. Leaking fridges and inefficient washing machines should be prioritised for replacement. | Plan your holidays close to home |
| Install energy efficient lighting at home | Do not rinse dishes under hot water before putting them into the dishwasher. Modern dishwashers can handle the mess and rinsing actually uses more hot water that the dishwasher itself |
| Install an energy efficient showerhead. It can save your household up to $100 per year in water and energy costs | Whenever possible, take public transport, ride a bike or walk |
| Check your tyre pressure. An under inflated tyre creates more rolling resistance and therefore results in more fuel consumption | Fix drafts to maximise your heating. |
| Traditional desktop computers, typically use 80 percent more energy than a laptop computer. | During warmer months, close blinds, and curtains on the sunny side of your home to help keep your home’s temperature cooler and reduce the work for you AC. |
| Use natural light when possible. | Turn off heated dry on your dishwasher and air dry instead. |
| Wash out empty containers at the end of your dishwashing to use up the dirty water without using fresh, clean water. | Turn your heater down a degree or two and the a/c up a little. Even one degree saves a lot of CO2 and money. |
| Put on thermals or more layers before putting on the heater. | Only wash clothes when they need it and use the quick wash cycle if possible. |
| Wrap yourself in a cosy blanket to watch TV instead of using the heater. | Open curtains wide on sunny days in winter. |
| Don’t use standby for appliances, turn them off at the wall. | Use energy efficient light bulbs and fittings. |
https://www.directenergy.com/learning-center/25-energy-efficiency-tips
These prices are possibly in US dollars, but they’re still a good indicator of savings:
