Every time you turn on an appliance at home, greenhouse gas emissions are released into the atmosphere. Below are some simple tips to help you reduce energy consumption in your home. Saving energy at home (or using green energy) will result in a reduction in your bills while at the same time helping the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and your impact on climate change!

Water Heating:

• Reduce hot water use (take shorter showers/wash clothes in cold water)
• Fix dripping taps
• Install a 3 star rated water efficient showerhead (Check SA Water incentives)
• Set thermostat to 60ºC for electric and gas storage systems
• Use a minimum of 10mm insulation around external hot water pipes
• When building a house, plan the laundry, kitchen and bathroom close to the hot water system
• Consider installing a solar hot water system

Heating and Cooling

• Use external window shading, pergolas and deciduous trees to keep sunlight off windows
• Draught proof around windows and doors
• Block unused fireplaces
• Clean air filters regularly on heaters and coolers
• Allow sunlight in during the day, and close blinds/curtains at night to keep heat in
• Use ceiling fans and portable fans
• Turn on air conditioners early in the day (temperatures are lower and it will operate more efficiently)

Fridges and Freezers

• Place fridges and freezers in well ventilated areas
• Do not place fridges and freezers in sunlight or other heat sources
• Check that door seals are clean and tight
• Keep the temperature of fridges between 3 to 5ºC and freezers -15 to -18ºC
• Clean visible condenser coils on the back and defrost if necessary
• Switch off additional fridges and freezers when not in use

Lighting

• Turn off lights when not in use
• Replace incandescent globes with compact fluorescent lamps
• Use the lowest wattage light you can (that still provides adequate light)
• Avoid using downlights
• Use motion detectors or timers for outdoor lighting

Cooking

• Use small appliances (use the microwave over the oven, the toaster over the grill, the kettle over the hotplate)
• Check the seals of your oven

Dishwashing

• Only use the dishwasher when full
• Select the lowest temperature and shortest wash time
• Use cold water to rinse before loading in the dishwasher
• Eliminate the drying cycle (just open the door!)

Clothes Washing and Drying

• Adjust the wash cycle to match the load
• Use economic/energy saving cycles
• Use cold water
• Only wash full loads
• Remove as much water as possible before using the dryer
• Always clean the lint filter after use
• Use the sun to dry your clothes

Standby Power

• Switch off appliances and also switch off at the wall
• Use power boards with switches to make power points easier to turn off
• Look for the Energy Star label on appliances

Please note that home energy toolkits have been developed by the Energy Division, Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure which enable householders to conduct an energy audit. Walkerville residents can find a home energy toolkit at Prospect Library.

For more information on energy please visit council for "Be Energy Smart' brochures or visit www.sa.gov.au/energy