ATTENTION SENIOR CITIZENS

TOP 10 WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY

A special thank you to Seniors Online for this list of top 10 ways to save energy. Please share this page with elderly loved ones or those you know may benefit. The older we get the colder the nights can become so this list could help make someone’s winter this year: 

1. Shut doors and close curtains

Heating or cooling the whole house can be expensive. Where possible, shut doors to areas you are not using and only heat or cool the rooms you spend the most time in. Make sure your curtains or blinds seal your windows properly, and keep your curtains closed at night, and during the day when there is a heat-wave. Block draughts around doors and windows to stop air leaking out, or in.

2. Set your thermostat

Every degree above 20 degrees can add 10% to your heating bill. In winter heating can account for over 30% of your bill. Set your thermostat between 18 and 20 degrees. Every degree above 20 can add 10% to your heating bill. In summer, set your thermostat to 26 degrees or above.

3. Turn heaters and coolers off when you don't need them

Turn off when you leave the room, or go to bed. With some ducted heating systems you can turn off the heating in the rooms that are unoccupied. Make sure all your heating or cooling is turned off when you leave the house.

4. Wash clothes using cold water

Washing your clothes in cold water can save $115 per year. You can save around $115 per year by washing clothes in cold water. You can also save by making sure you select the shortest appropriate washing cycle and waiting until you have a full load.

5. Run your fridge efficiently

First of all, try and get by with only one fridge is possible. Fridges are an expensive appliance to maintain, and run 24 hours a day. Make sure the door seal is tight and free from gaps so cold air can't escape. An ideal fridge temperature is 4 or 5 degrees and an ideal freezer temperature is minus 15 to minus 18 degrees Celsius. If you have a second fridge or freezer, only turn it on when you need it.

6. Insulate your roof

An insulated ceiling makes a big difference to your energy bills. If you already have insulation installed, check that it is properly installed and has the right rating (measured in 'R-value'). In Victoria, insulation rated R3.5 or higher should be used for ceilings.

7. Stop standby power waste

Up to 10% of your electricity use could be from gadgets on standby. Did you know your phone charger is still using energy even when your phone is not attached? Up to 10% of your electricity could be used by gadgets and appliances that are on standby. A standby power controller will automatically reduce standby time and switch appliances off when not in use. You may be eligible for a discounted standby power controller. See Energy Saver Incentive.

8. Save energy in the kitchen

Thaw frozen food in your fridge to reduce cooking time. When you are cooking, use the microwave when you can – it uses much less energy than an electric oven. If you use the stove, keep lids on your pots to reduce cooking time. Use the economy cycle on your dishwasher and only run it when it's full.

9. Use energy-efficient light globes

Replace old incandescent and halogen light globes with energy-efficient globes. Energy-efficient globes save power and last longer. Light globes can sometimes be replaced for free or at reduced cost. See: Energy Saver Incentive

10. Wear the right clothes

This may seem obvious but many choose to wear specific clothing at home and keep the heat running. Better to rug up (wool works best) in the colder months.