At EnergyQuotes we want to help you save – not just through better deals but also by using less energy. The less you use, the more you save. Here are our tips for saving on energy use, throughout the home.

Lighting
Unfortunately, candle light is not coming back into fashion – here are a few ways to reduce the impact of lighting on your energy bills.

• Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs), and turn off lights when not in use.
• Where possible, set up individual switches for lights to control the number of bulbs used and use task appropriate lighting – desk lamps etc.
• During the day, open the curtains and blinds to take advantage of the great Australian sun to light our homes.
• While attractive, halogen lights are not a solution for lighting large areas and should be restricted to decorative features to keep costs down.
• Especially in outdoor lighting, install timers and sensors to automatically turn off lights when not in use.

Refrigeration

• To help keep your energy bills down, set the temperature of your fridge between 3-4°C.
• Make sure you position your fridge in a well ventilated area away from sources of excess heat e.g. heaters and ovens.
• Check the seals and defrost your fridge and freezer regularly to ensure your appliances are working efficiently.
• When purchasing your new fridge and freezer, ensure that it is suitable to your needs. Over full fridges and freezers do not cool efficiently and use more power. Overly large appliances use more electricity than necessary.

Heating
Families can save up to 40% of their winter energy consumption by switching to an energy efficient saving heating system. Here are a few ideas when choosing your new system:

• Portioned or ‘zoned’ heating systems are an excellent way to heat large areas or the entire home.
• An efficient (star rating labelled) reverse cycle air conditioner is also a cost effective way to heat a medium sized room.
• Natural gas space heaters are an economic option that perform well in small to medium spaces.
• In small spaces radiant heaters are an excellent option.

Now that you have your heating solution, a few extra steps will help keep those big winter bills at bay.

• 18-21°C is the recommended standing temperature to set your heating appliances to.

Unfortunately, increasing your overall heating by even one degree can result in a increase of 15%* on your electricity bill.

• Install ceiling insulation and you could reduce up to 35%** of your energy consumption.
• Ensure doors and windows are firmly shut. In older houses where window frames are warped or not tightly sealed, use a bean bag insulator or other seal to stop warm air escaping.
• Close blinds and curtains to help the insulation process. Using denser fabric for curtains in winter will also help.
• Finally, layer up! Extra blankets and jumpers will help you retain your own body warmth and lower your energy consumption – saving you $ in the long run.

Cooling
We all love the Australian summer, but nobody loves a big summer energy bill. Like in winter, saving money in summer is all about focusing on efficient appliances which suit your home. Focus on the size of the space for cooling, and always refer to the energy saving label when purchasing. Here are a few tips for soothing the burn of big summer energy bills:

• Install ceiling insulation and you could reduce up to 35%^ of your energy consumption.
• When using your air conditioner, ensure doors and windows are firmly shut. In older houses where window frames are warped or not tightly sealed, use a bean bag insulator or other seal to stop cool air escaping.
• Set your temp. 23°C is the recommended ideal temperature for your cooling system.
• Use blinds, awnings and curtains to keep the summer sun out and the cool air inside.
• Be strategic. Use your air conditioner to cool off your home, turn it off and then use fans to keep the air cool air circulating.
• Put off chores till the cooler part of the day so you are not running several appliances at one time, and, to take advantage of any potential off-peak prices.
• Wear natural fabrics and loose fitting clothing. Tight fitting, unnatural fabrics increase surface body temperature, making you feel warmer. Make the switch and feel cooler!

Hot Water
Installing solar hot water can add value to your home and can help to reduce your energy bills by up to 50%# . However, if solar hot water is out of reach at this time, follow these easy tricks to keeping your hot water bills down:

• Shorten your showers – or double up!
• Install water efficient shower heads and taps.
• Set the temperature on your hot water system to a slightly cooler setting and where possible try to use less hot water around the home.
• Insulate pipes to reduce energy waste.
• Save money by switching to a cold water cycle when using your washing machine.
• Where possible use Australia’s natural clothes dryer – the sun!

• * http://www.myenergyoffers.nsw.gov.au/useful-information/reducing-energy-consumption.aspx
• ** http://www.savepower.nsw.gov.au/households/power-saving-tips/heating-cooling-and-insulation/install-ceiling-insulation.aspx
• ^ http://www.savepower.nsw.gov.au/households/power-saving-tips/heating-cooling-and-insulation/install-ceiling-insulation.aspx
• # http://www.solahart.com.au/solar-water-heating/how-does-it-save-money.aspx