How to Save Energy and Slash Electricity Bills

 Ways to Save Energy and Slash Electricity Bills

1. Lighting & Light Bulbs Install low energy light bulbs in
rooms you use regularly – they last up to 15 times longer than a
normal light bulb and provide the same lighting for a quarter of
the running cost. Turn off the lights when you leave a room for
a long period and don't use several light bulbs where one will
do the job. Teach all family members to turn off lights when
leaving a room.

2. TV, Hi-Fi & Radio Turn off the TV or video and hi-fi rather
than leaving it on standby. Always use the television's on/off
switch. Leaving the television on standby wastes energy.

3. Cooking Microwave ovens reduce cooking time by 15% to 20% and
save energy. When boiling vegetables, use just enough water to
keep them covered. Use a jug kettle that has a water level gauge
to ensure you only heat the amount of water you need. Cover
saucepans with lids whenever possible to reduce the cooking time.

4. Home Laundry & Dishwashers Save electricity by using
old-fashioned clothesline for clothes drying. Avoid drying
clothes on radiators as it lowers the room temperature, making
your boiler work harder. Shut off dishwasher for dry cycle. Let
your dishes "air dry". Don't use dishwasher or laundry equipment
until you have a full load.

5. Fridges & Fridge Freezers Make sure your refrigerator and
freezer door seals are airtight. Let hot foods cool before
placing them in the refrigerator. Defrost refrigerator regularly
- when about 1/4 inch of ice has formed. Place your refrigerator
in the coolest part of the kitchen - away from cookers, heaters
and out of direct sunlight.

6. Heating Turn off electric water heater when going away for
vacations or weekends. Turn your heating down rather than
opening a window to reduce the room temperature. Never cover
radiators with curtains or furniture as this reduces their
efficiency and wastes valuable heat. When going on long
holidays, remember to switch your water heating off.

7. Work Tools Use hand tools in your workshop instead of power
tools.

8. Appliances When shopping for new appliances, ask about
energy-efficient models. Buy appliances on the basis of cost
plus operating costs, not price alone. Limit the use of
appliances that use over 1,000 watts. Keep appliances clean and
in good working order. They'll use less energy.

9. Bills Check all energy bills closely. Errors can be costly.

10. Insulation & Air conditioning Insulating your attic will
save on operating air conditioning (also heating). If your walls
are suitable, cavity wall insulation will substantially reduce
heat loss. Keep air conditioning condenser shaded from sun or on
north side of house. Turn off air conditioning when no one is
home.