Personal Energy Saving Plan

Heating & Cooling

In winter, set your thermostat to between 18-20°C - each degree over 20°C uses around 10% more energy.
In summer, set your cooling thermostat to between 25-27°C - each degree under uses around 5% more energy.
Close internal doors and only heat or cool the rooms you are using.
Make the most of free heating and cooling. In winter, let the sunshine through north, east and west facing windows during the day by opening curtains and blinds. Close curtains and blinds at night to keep this heat in. In summer, close curtains and shade windows during the day to prevent the sun heating the home and use natural breezes at night to keep the home cool.

Hot Water

Wash clothes in cold water and only wash full loads.
Run the dishwasher only when its full.
Fit a low-flow showerhead (it’ll pay for itself in no time) and take shorter showers.
Insulate any exposed copper pipes with foam tubing (lagging) to prevent heat loss.
Fix any dripping taps

Appliances & Cookings

Fill the kettle and pots with only as much water as you need. Use lids on pots while cooking.
Dry clothes on the line and not in the dryer – it’s free! If you must use the dryer, remember to empty the lint filter each load.
Any items with a little light or clock are using power, and your mobile phone charger is drawing power even when your phone is not plugged in. Turning off power at the wall can save up to 10% of household energy usage and is an easy way to save energy.
Reduce pool filter running time to the safe minimum set out in the manual.

Refrigeration

Turn off any additional fridges and freezers when not needed and think about getting rid of these.
Set the fridge temperature between 3°C and 5°C and the freezer temperature between -15°C and -18°C.
Replace any fridge/freezer door seals that aren’t in good condition.
Locate the fridge away from direct sun and in a cool location, ensuring air can circulate around all sides.

Lighting

Make a habit of turning off lights when leaving a room.
Use natural light as much as possible – open curtains and blinds instead of turning on a light. In summer, consider the balance between the benefits of natural light and letting unwanted heat into the home.
Replace inefficient light globes with energy efficient ones.
Install a sensor on outdoor lights so that they only switch on with movement and turn off after a short period.